History and clinical examination of an adult abdomen

Abstract

Specific body systems have focused examinations. In this article the process of taking a clinical history from someone with abdominal pain and the assessment required is discussed. This article will guide the reader into the requirements of how to assess a patient with a presentation of abdominal pain. It will also inform how to clinically focus when presented with the multitude of possibilities and what information is required to establish a differential diagnosis. History and clinical examination is discussed in detail to allow the reader to develop their assessment skills to an advanced practice level.