What is the most pertinent question to ask a female patient who is experiencing vaginal bleeding and has pale skin?

Asking how many sanitary pads the patient has gone through directly assesses the volume of vaginal bleeding she is experiencing, which is critical in determining the severity of her condition. This question provides vital information about the amount of blood loss, which can help in identifying whether the patient may be experiencing a significant hemorrhage or possible complications such as a miscarriage or other gynecological emergencies.

Understanding the volume of bleeding not only informs immediate medical assessment and intervention but also helps gauge the urgency of the situation. If the patient reports using a large number of pads in a short time, it may indicate a need for rapid treatment to address potential hypovolemia or shock.

While the other options might provide useful information, they do not specifically address the immediate concern of vaginal bleeding and its impact on the patient’s hemodynamic status. Age and eating status could connect to broader health issues, and pain assessment, although important, does not directly correlate to the urgency presented by the bleeding. Thus, focusing on the patient's bleeding history is the most pertinent approach in this scenario.