Assessing acute abdominal pain in adolescent females

The possible causes of acute abdominal pain in the adolescent female are varied and numerous. Some problems are self-limiting, while others can be life threatening. Etiologies include, but are not limited to, gastrointestinal, urinary, gynecologic, and psychosocial problems. Assessment requires taking an accurate history quickly, and includes assessing the characteristics of the pain, any associated symptoms, and the overall physical and psychosocial health status of the adolescent. Physical assessment begins with observing how the adolescent presents herself. Although the abdomen is the focus of the examination, the general examination should not be ignored. Laboratory and radiologic testing logically follow, yet in the case of acute abdominal pain, greater reliance is placed in the symptoms and signs.