Course Summary

Abdominal pain is a common physical complaint that patients report to medical clinicians, and it has a wide array of causes, ranging from very simple to complex. Although many cases of abdominal pain turn out to be minor conditions, such as constipation or gastroenteritis, there are more serious causes that need to be ruled out. An accurate patient medical history, family medical history, and medical testing are important to make an accurate diagnosis. Initial assessment and diagnostic testing will help to provide an early indication of the cause of abdominal pain and the possible treatment options.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

  • I.       Introduction
  • II.       Abdominal Pain and Anatomical Location
    • 1.        Referred Pain
    • 2.        Abdominal Pain Assessment
    • 3.        Medical History
    • 4.        Family History
    • 5.        Pain-Specific Questions
    • 6.        Physical Assessment
  • III.       The Abdominal Assessment
    • 1.        Inspection
    • 2.        Auscultation
    • 3.        Percussion
    • 4.        Palpation
  • IV.      Case Study: Recurrent Abdominal Pain
  • V.      Summary

Author

Noah H. Carpenter, MD

Dr. Noah Carpenter is a Thoracic and Peripheral Vascular Surgeon. He completed his Bachelor of Science in chemistry and medical school and training at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Carpenter completed surgical residency and fellowship at the University of Edmonton and Affiliated Hospitals in Edmonton, Alberta, and an additional Adult Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery fellowship at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He has specialized in microsurgical techniques, vascular endoscopy, laser and laparoscopic surgery in Brandon, Manitoba and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and in Colorado, Texas, and California. Dr. Carpenter has an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Calgary, and was appointed a Citizen Ambassador to China, and has served as a member of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, the Canadian College of Health Service Executives, the Science Institute of the Northwest Territories, Canada Science Council, and the International Society of Endovascular Surgeons, among others. He has been an inspiration to youth, motivating them to understand the importance of achieving higher education.

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