A person presents to the emergency department with abrupt onset of severe left upper quadrant abdominal pain that radiates to the back. The person's serum amylase levels rise to two to three times normal over several hours. What condition does the nurse suspect the person has?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms and elevated serum amylase levels suggest acute pancreatitis, which is characterized by sudden onset of severe upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back and elevated amylase levels. Fulminant hepatitis and liver cirrhosis typically have different symptoms and signs, such as jaundice, coagulopathy, or ascites. Cholecystitis may cause abdominal pain and nausea, but serum amylase levels are typically not elevated.

A Person Presents to the Emergency Department with Abrupt Onset