Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is a common complaint of children and adolescents. RAP is a benign pain syndrome for 95% of these children. Nurses may see children with RAP in schools, hospitals, and office settings. They can be actively involved in case finding, assessment, monitoring, intervention, and education for these children and their families. The precise cause of RAP is not known. A number of etiologic theories and models are discussed. Appropriate approaches to assessment and intervention based on these theories and current research data are described.