A patient was admitted with severe abdominal pain, elevated temperature, and nausea. The physical examination indicated possible cholecystitis. Acute and chronic pancreatitits secondary to alcoholism was recorded on the face sheet as the final diagnosis. The principal diagnosis is

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The final diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is the principal diagnosis because it is the most serious condition and the reason for the patient's admission. The other conditions may be contributing factors, but the acute pancreatitis is the primary reason for hospitalization.

A Patient Was Admitted with Severe Abdominal Pain, Elevated Temperature