1. Does the problem disturb your sleeping, eating,
working, concentrating, or other daily activities? (A
true emergency disrupts the patient’s activities or
quality of life.)
2. How long has this problem been bothering you? (A
true emergency has rarely been severe for more than
a few hours to 2 days.)
3. Have you taken any pain medication? Was the
medication ineffective? (Analgesics do not relieve
the pain of a true emergency.)