Which symptom is described as abdominal pain that can be located in the upper or lower abdomen and may be sharp or dull?

• A. Nausea
• B. Vomiting
• C. Abd. Pain
• D. Constipation

Answer: (C)

Abdominal pain is the symptom described here. It can be felt anywhere in the abdomen, whether upper or lower, and the pain can be sharp or dull. This distinguishes it from other GI symptoms: nausea is the sensation of wanting to vomit, vomiting is the act of expelling stomach contents, and constipation is a bowel movement issue that may cause discomfort but isn’t defined simply by the location and quality of pain. Recognizing that abdominal pain can vary in location and character helps in describing and assessing abdominal complaints.