The Central African journal of medicine
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Although pain intensity is difficult to assess and quantify, different assessment tools have been developed for this purpose. The most widely used are verbal and numerical pain rating scales. This study aimed to establish the reliability in the Zimbabwean setting of four standardised scales. ⋯ Both the numerical and verbal scales measure the same construct of pain experience. The scales are reliable when used with the more educated of the Zimbabwean population. It is recommended that the scales should not be used on a population who have less than seven years of education. More research is needed to determine the validity of pain scales within the Zimbabwean context.
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To illustrate blunt traumatic injury of the gallbladder in childhood. ⋯ Blunt traumatic injury of the gallbladder, though rare, does occur usually as a consequence of direct abdominal injury especially in children during sporting activities and fights. Minor injuries can be repaired but cholecystectomy is necessary in more extensive injuries or injury to the cystic duct and neck. A comprehensive history taking including direct questioning regarding trauma and a high index of suspicion are important for early diagnosis and prompt treatment.