What it means
It can come from the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, bladder or reproductive organs, and sometimes from the heart or lungs. Where it is, what it feels like (cramping, burning, sharp), how it started and what makes it better or worse help find the cause.
For the nurse
Ask the client to point to the pain and describe it, and note which quadrantKWAH-druntOne of four parts; in nursing, usually one of the four areas the belly is divided into for assessment.Full entry it is in. Look and listen before you feel the belly, and touch the painful area last. Report sudden severe pain, a hard rigid belly, or pain with fever, vomiting blood or black stool.
At a glance
| Spanish | dolor abdominal |
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Related terms
gastrointestinal
Having to do with the stomach and intestines, or with the whole digestive tract from the mouth to the anus.
appendix
A small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the first part of the large intestine, in the lower right abdomen.
quadrant
One of four parts; in nursing, usually one of the four areas the belly is divided into for assessment.