Abdominal Pain Nursing Care Plan
Abdominal Pain Nursing Care Plan 1
Acute Abdominal Pain attributable to stomach spasms, secondary to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as indicated by abdominal pain, high pain score rating, verbalization of abdominal pain or distress, abdominal guarding, and cramping.
The patient will be able to convey relief from discomfort or control over their condition as the desired outcome.
Abdominal Pain Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
Encourage the patient to disclose any discomfort or pain he/she may be experiencing. | Instead of asking for painkillers or analgesics, the patient may strive to tolerate his/her discomfort. Encouraging the patient to report their pain could aid in the provision of treatment. |
Evaluate the period, location, and magnitude of pain. Ask the patient to rate his/her level of pain on a scale of 0 to 10. | To delegate adequate resources for intervention. |
Adhere to changes in the patient’s dietary plan in accordance with the guidelines provided. Begin with liquids and progress to solid foods as tolerated by the patient. | It allows constipation to subside and promotes bowel rest following abstinence from solid food. Additionally, IBS alleviation and management appear to benefit from diet modifications. Meals that are rich in fiber soften and facilitate the passage of stool. |
Assist the patient in managing his/her pain by providing comfort therapy such as: -Distraction techniques (e.g., deep breathing exercises, guided imagery) -Hot and cold application -Music therapy -Positioning -Back massage/back rubs |
Non-pharmacologic interventions, particularly comfort measures, promote a sense of well-being. It also helps to redirect the patient’s thoughts and improves his/her ability to cope with stress. |
Assess for abdominal distension. Monitor the patient’s vital signs (e.g., fluctuations in blood pressure and body temperature). | Abnormal variations in the patient’s vital signs could point to an impending obstruction of the digestive tract, swelling/edema, inflammation, and scarring. |
As necessary, provide a sitz bath. | Encourages blood flow around the anal area |
A.Pain Nursing Care Plan 2
Nursing Diagnosis: Acute Abdominal Pain attributable to hyperperistalsis as a result of Crohn’s disease, as evidenced by colicky pain, protective/guarding behavior, reports of abdominal pain, cramping, agitation, and expressed pain sensation.
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will be able to verbalize discomfort relief or condition management.
- The patient will be able to rest and slumber peacefully
Abdominal Pain Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
Encourage the patient to disclose any discomfort or pain he/she may be experiencing. | Instead of asking for painkillers or analgesics, the patient may strive to tolerate his/her discomfort. Encouraging the patient to report their pain could aid in the provision of treatment. |
Examine the patient’s complaints of pain. Take note of the area, duration, and degree of intensity of any abdominal cramping or pain the patient may be experiencing. Observe and document changes in its features. | Although both IBS and Crohn’s disease are two distinct diseases, it’s worth noting that both of these conditions share a common symptom: abdominal pain. For patients suffering from Crohn’s disease, sharp, localized pain in the abdomen or urinary tract known as “colic” is most commonly experienced. As a result, assessing the intensity of acute or abdominal pain may aid in identifying and classifying pain characteristics associated with IBS and IBD. |
Take note of nonverbal indicators that the patient may be exhibiting (e.g., disengagement, restlessness, abdominal guarding, aversion to moving, despair, and depression. Find out if there are any disparities between what the patient says and what he/she does nonverbally. | In order to assess the severity and depth of the patient’s pain, nonverbal cues can be utilized in conjunction with verbal reports of pain. Among the elderly, however, there is a tendency for pain to go unreported. |
Assist the patient in assuming a comfortable position (e.g., knees flexion depending on the desired degree of flexion). | It reduces stress and tension throughout the body, most importantly relieves abdominal strain, and enhances feelings of control. |
Assist the patient in managing his/her pain by providing comfort therapy such as: -Distraction techniques (e.g., deep breathing exercises) -Hot and cold application -Positioning -Back massage/back rubs |
Non-pharmacologic interventions, particularly comfort measures, promote a sense of well-being. It also helps to redirect the patient’s thoughts and improves his/her ability to cope with stress. |
After each bowel movement, assist the patient in cleansing the rectal area using mild soap and water/wipes. Care for the patient’s skin by moisturization using topical creams or petroleum jelly. | Skin excoriation is a possibility if stomach secretions leak from the gastrostomy tube. To avoid skin breakdown and promote optimal healing, a skincare routine involving gentle washing and moisturization is needed. |
Consider the factors that contribute to the exacerbation or relief of pain. | Identification of the potential triggers or exacerbating factors (e.g., stressful situations or a food allergy) is made possible by recognizing the contributing factors that may aggravate or remedy the pain, thus eliminating any viable complications from arising. |
A.Pain Nursing Care Plan 3
Nursing Diagnosis: Acute Abdominal Pain caused by a bacterial infection secondary to food poisoning in a child, manifested by abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and excruciating urination.
Desired Outcomes:
- The epidermis of the patient will have normal turgor.
- The patient’s nutrient intake will increase and he or she will not regurgitate.
Abdominal Pain Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
Determine the quality and characteristic of the patient’s stool, including information on the following: -Bowel habits -Frequency -Type of stool -Color -Odor |
Examining the stool characteristics helps the nurse identify the presence of gastroenteritis (food poisoning). Loose, watery stools (i.e., diarrhea) are a complication of food poisoning, and recognizing these key characteristics allocates the appropriate intervention. |
Maintain the integrity of the patient’s skin by doing the following care measures: -Checking and changing diapers regularly -Use of disposable pads placed under the infant -Use of ointment |
These techniques prevent skin breakdown by regularly improving the patient’s skin integrity. Furthermore, in order to stop the spread of bacteria and pathogens, it is important to practice good hygiene. |
Ensure that the patient’s nutritional needs are met (including adequate hydration). | Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are all signs of food poisoning, and these symptoms necessitate a brief fast from food and water. Supplication for the necessary nutrients is then made to compensate for nutrient loss. |
Document the patient’s daily weight measurements prior to each meal, and monitor his/her intake and output (I&O) ratio. | Measurement of the patient’s weight can be useful in determining the level of dehydration the patient is experiencing. |
Ensure that the spread of infection is minimized. Store contaminated clothing and linens in designated receptacles. Wear gloves while handling soiled or contaminated articles. | This reduces the risk and spread of infection. |
A.Pain Nursing Care Plan 4
Nursing Diagnosis: Acute Abdominal Pain attributable to pancreatic and bile duct obstruction secondary to pancreatitis, manifested by abdominal pain, expressed or verbalized pain, guarding behavior, diaphoresis, muscle tone changes, tiredness, fatigue, gestures of safety, careful repositioning of the body to avoid discomfort, pacing, lack of energy, lack of vigor, and outwardly expressive behavior such as irritability.
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will report alleviated or managed discomfort following treatment.
- The patient will adhere to the pharmaceutical treatment regimen prescribed.
- The patient will be able to convey discomfort or pain relief through nonpharmacologic means.
Abdominal Pain Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
Examine the patient’s complaints of pain. Take note of the location, duration, and degree of intensity (0-10 scale) of any abdominal cramping or pain the patient may be experiencing. Consider the factors that may contribute to the exacerbation or relief of pain. | When pancreatitis is acute or hemorrhagic, the pain is generally widespread and intense. With chronic pancreatitis, pain is generally the most noticeable sign, and the most predominant complication is abdominal pain. If there is any pain in the right upper quadrant (RUQ), it may indicate pancreatic involvement of the pancreatic head. In contrast, pain in the left upper quadrant (LUQ) may indicate pancreatic tail dysfunction. On the other hand, local complications include the presence of abscesses and pseudocysts with a characteristic feature of abdominal pain. |
Make sure that the patient is in a comfortable position, upright seated, and in a forward-lean position with his/her knees flexed. | It provides the patient with relief from discomfort and pain by reducing pressure and tension in the abdominal region. Assuming an upright position decreases abdominal strain and lower back pain since pain for those with chronic pancreatitis can be worsened by a supine position. |
Have the patient stay in bed if he/she is experiencing a debilitating episode of abdominal pain. Provide a calm and serene environment for the patient to rest in. | Reduces pancreatic secretion (commonly associated with increasing pain) by lowering metabolic rate and reducing the number of digestive secretions produced. |
Assist the patient in managing his/her pain by providing comfort therapy such as: -Back massage/back rubs -Visualization -Guided Imagery techniques -Distraction techniques/diversional activities (e.g., listening to the radio, watching television) |
Comfort measures allow the patient to relax and refocus his/her attention from the pain, helping them cope better. |
Limit the patient’s access to his/her meals and fluids as directed. | This reduces the secretion of pancreatic enzymes and their associated discomfort/pain. The patient’s dependence on medication may rise, possibly necessitating increased dosage to alleviate the pain. In addition, higher doses aren’t recommended because they could mask underlying issues and complications and may potentially cause respiratory depression. |
A.Pain Nursing Care Plan 5
Nursing Diagnosis: Acute Abdominal Pain associated with dissection risk due to compromised vessel wall, secondary to abdominal aortic aneurysms, as evidenced by abdominal pain, pulsating abdominal mass, and a high pain score.
Desired Outcome: Normal blood pressure, urinary output not exceeding 30 ml per hour, normal gastrointestinal sounds, and normal pulse rate will indicate that the patient’s vital signs have improved.
Abdominal Pain Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
Determine the source, location, and features of the patient’s pain. Examine whether it produces pain in the abdomen, lower flank, groin, or back; and whether it puts strain on neighboring structures. | Abdominal aortic aneurysm or AAA is characterized by a rapid onset of intense pain that is reported as sharp, shearing, or penetrating in more than 90 percent of patients. The delegation of appropriate intervention can be made possible by examining the sensation of pain and its location. Identifying the specific location is relatively important as treatment can be modified to target its cause. Abdominal Pain Nursing Care Plan |
Evaluate the patient’s lower limbs for symptoms of ischemia (ischemic colitis). Observe signs of lower limb dysfunction such as poikilothermia, hypothermia, paralysis, paleness, and lack of pulse. | There is a higher chance of aortic dissection if the patient has AAA. Observation of the signs and symptoms linked to this condition is typically grounded on the loss of motor function and sensory capacity. |
Perform clinical pulsation and check for a pulsating midline mass. | Notifies the nurse and physician that an abdominal aortic aneurysm may be present due to the presence of a pulsatile abdominal mass. Take note: In order to prevent damage to the aneurysm, the pulsing technique must be as soft or gentle as possible. |
Observe and record the volume of the patient’s urine output. | Observable decreases in the patient’s urine output are typically caused by a range of reasons, including renal artery compression or stenosis, as well as the presence of an aortic cross-clamp (a surgical instrument used in cardiac surgery). The amount of urine produced by the patient can be used to determine the location of an aneurysm in the patient. If the aneurysm is located above the renal artery, it may have little effect on urine flow. However, most renal artery aneurysms are found below the level of the renal artery. |
Assist the patient in managing his/her pain by providing non-pharmacological comfort measures such as: -Relaxation techniques -Repositioning -Hot and cold application |
These interventions may alleviate the patient’s pain but based on the severity of the aneurysm; these techniques may become ineffective. Abdominal Pain Nursing Care Plan |
Provide analgesics as prescribed. | Consistent acute pain is indicative of a rupture or dissection that hasn’t stopped. In some cases where the pain isn’t subsiding, surgery may be required. Abdominal Pain Nursing Care Plan |