An important aspect in treatment of a patient with severe abdominal pain?

• A. Provide emotional support en route to the hospital
• B. Administer analgesic medications
• C. Encourage the patient to remain in a supine position
• D. Give 100% oxygen only if signs of shock are present

Answer: (B)

Pain relief is a primary immediate focus when a patient has severe abdominal pain. Administering analgesic medications helps ease the patient’s distress and the body’s stress response, which can improve breathing and cardiovascular stability, reduce muscular guarding that can hinder a careful exam, and make transport and handoffs safer and more comfortable for the patient. In the EMS setting, pain control is provided after a rapid assessment and when there are no contraindications, with ongoing monitoring.

Oxygen is used when there’s hypoxia or signs of shock, not as a routine measure for abdominal pain, so giving 100% oxygen only for shock doesn’t apply to every case. Encouraging a specific position and providing emotional support are helpful, but they don’t address pain as directly or as effectively in the moment as analgesia.