Problem:
A 55-year-old female patient arrives at your clinic complaining of nausea and stomach pain that has been bothering her for a day.
T is 101.2, P is 102, BP is 143/86, and RR is 28.
The patient disputes feeling pain when questioned. When you listen to her abdomen, you can hear slow bowel movements. In response to your attempts to touch her abdomen, she protects and grimaces. She hasn't been feeling well for three days, and I think she requires surgery, according to her husband.
Describe three critical thinking techniques you might employ to help you ask this patient for a thorough health history. Describe why and how you would use these skills in this situation.