In a family planning clinic, which of the following symptoms should be prioritized when triaging clients over the phone?

In a family planning clinic, which of the following symptoms should be prioritized when triaging clients over the phone?

• A. Pain in the lower abdomen
• B. Fever
• C. Sharp pain in right shoulder
• D. Symptoms of nausea

Answer: (C)

In the context of a family planning clinic, prioritizing symptoms during phone triage is crucial for identifying potentially serious conditions. A sharp pain in the right shoulder is particularly noteworthy because it can be indicative of referred pain from an underlying issue, such as a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency. This symptom should be taken seriously and warrants immediate evaluation, given that ectopic pregnancies can lead to significant complications if not addressed promptly. While pain in the lower abdomen, fever, and nausea are also important symptoms that could indicate various health issues, the sharp pain in the right shoulder stands out due to its potential association with severe conditions requiring urgent care. The focus in triage settings is on identifying life-threatening situations first, and the presence of sharp shoulder pain elevates the concern for conditions that could endanger the patient's health.

In the context of a family planning clinic, prioritizing symptoms during phone triage is crucial for identifying potentially serious conditions. A sharp pain in the right shoulder is particularly noteworthy because it can be indicative of referred pain from an underlying issue, such as a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency. This symptom should be taken seriously and warrants immediate evaluation, given that ectopic pregnancies can lead to significant complications if not addressed promptly.

While pain in the lower abdomen, fever, and nausea are also important symptoms that could indicate various health issues, the sharp pain in the right shoulder stands out due to its potential association with severe conditions requiring urgent care. The focus in triage settings is on identifying life-threatening situations first, and the presence of sharp shoulder pain elevates the concern for conditions that could endanger the patient's health.