Assessing recurrent abdominal pain in children.

Recurrent abdominal pain is a frequent complaint of school-aged children. In 5-10 percent of the cases, RAP is the result of organic disease. Specific history and physical assessments are needed to detect organic disease. The assessment tool described in this article is a functional adjunct to a nurse practitioner's evaluation of RAP as well as of other recurrent pain. It provides additional information to identify less obvious organic causes and serves as a basis for involving the patient in development of a treatment plan.