Advanced Health Assessment Practice Exam

Which question would appropriately assess the "L" in Oldcart?

1. How long does the pain last?

2. Can you point to the area that hurts?

3. What would you say is the character of the pain?

4. What makes the pain better or worse?

The correct answer is: Can you point to the area that hurts?

The question that appropriately assesses the "L" in OLD CART is one that focuses on the location of the pain. In this context, "L" stands for "Location," which is a critical aspect of pain assessment. Asking the patient to indicate or point to the area that hurts provides specific information about where the pain is felt. This information is vital for understanding the nature of the patient's condition and determining the appropriate diagnostic and treatment paths. Identifying the specific location of the pain can also help in differentiating between various potential causes. For instance, pain in the chest may indicate cardiac issues, while pain in the lower abdomen may point towards gastrointestinal conditions. The other options focus on different components of the OLD CART acronym, such as duration, character, and aggravating or alleviating factors, which, while important, do not pertain directly to determining the location of the pain. Therefore, the most suitable question to assess the "L" in OLD CART is one that seeks to identify where the pain is located.