“A Lingering Ache”
A 28-year-old female presents to your clinic with recurrent episodes of right upper abdominal pain. The pain started after eating a large meal last night and has been persistent for the past 6 hours. It is described as sharp, radiates to her right shoulder, and is associated with nausea but no vomiting. She has had similar episodes in the past, usually after eating fatty meals. She denies fever, changes in bowel habits, or urinary symptoms.
- Pulse: 88 bpm, regular.
- Blood Pressure: 126/82 mmHg.
- Respiratory Rate: 16/min.
- Oxygen Saturation: 98% on room air.
- Temperature: 37.2°C.
- Allergies: None known.
- Social History: Non-smoker, occasional alcohol consumption (social drinking).
- Past Medical History: None significant.
- Medication History: Not on regular medications.
- Family History: Mother has a history of gallstones.
What is your next step in managing this patient?