The nurse assesses a client with suspected acute pancreatitis and anticipates the client reporting pain in which anatomical area?

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11ecbb05_c9b6_22ec_b433_83325c7919ce_MD0009_00 The client with acute pancreatitis will report a sudden onset of unrelenting, severe pain in the left upper quadrant or midepigastric area of the abdomen that often radiates to the back. The pain is referred to the back as the pancreas is a retroperitoneal organ. Pain improves with leaning forward and worsens with lying flat. The pain is often preceded or made worse by a high-fat meal. Nausea and vomiting are common due to severe pain. Clients are at risk of developing hypovolemia (third spacing of fluids), acute respiratory distress syndrome (due to intense systemic inflammatory response), and hypocalcemia (necrosed fat binding calcium). (Option A) Kidney stones cause sudden, excruciating pain in the flank, back, or lower abdomen due to stretching of the ureter. The pain radiates to the groin area. (Option C) Appendicitis presents as periumbilical pain progressing to the right lower quadrant. Tenderness at McBurney's point is present as pressure is applied, and rebound tenderness occurs when pressure is released. (Option D) Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) causes pain in the right upper quadrant that often radiates to the right shoulder area. Educational objective: The client with acute pancreatitis has sudden, severe pain in the left upper quadrant or midepigastric area of the abdomen, often radiating to the back. Clients are at risk of developing hypovolemia (third spacing of fluids), acute respiratory distress syndrome (due to intense systemic inflammatory response), and hypocalcemia (necrosed fat binding calcium).

The Nurse Assesses a Client with Suspected Acute Pancreatitis and Anticipates