• When did the pain start and how did it start – gradually or abruptly?
• Where is the pain, and has it moved since its onset? Visceral pain arising from the gut, biliary tract or pancreas is poorly localized. Peritoneal pain (due to inflammation or infection) is well localized (unless there is generalized peritonitis), constant and associated with abdominal tenderness.
• How severe is the pain?
• Has there been vomiting, and when did vomiting begin in relation to the onset of the pain?
• Previous abdominal surgery, and if so what for?
• Other medical problems?

Examination

• Key observations
• Abdominal distension?
• Presence of abdominal scars? If present, check what operations have been done; adhesions from previous surgery may cause obstruction
• Tenderness: localized or generalized?
• Palpable organs, aorta or masses?
• Hernial orifices (inguinal, femoral and umbilical) clear?
• Femoral pulses present and symmetrical?
• Bowel sounds
• Rectal examination
• Lungs: signs of basal pneumonia?