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A patient is admitted to the hospital with acute pancreatitis and pain. What type of pain would the nurse note for this patient?

A.

Burning and aching, located in the epigastric area and radiating to the shoulder

B.

Burning and aching located in the left lower quadrant and radiating to the groin

C.

Severe and unrelenting located in the epigastric area and radiating to the neck and jaw area

D.

Severe and unrelenting located in the midabdominal region, epigastric that radiates to the back

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Burning and aching, located in the epigastric area and radiating to the shoulder: This pattern is more characteristic of gallbladder or biliary colic pain rather than acute pancreatitis.

B. Burning and aching located in the left lower quadrant and radiating to the groin: Pain in the left lower quadrant radiating to the groin is more typical of conditions such as diverticulitis or renal colic.

C. Severe and unrelenting located in the epigastric area and radiating to the neck and jaw area: Pain radiating to the neck and jaw is often associated with myocardial infarction or cardiac-related chest pain rather than pancreatic inflammation.

D. Severe and unrelenting located in the midabdominal region, epigastric that radiates to the back: Acute pancreatitis typically presents with severe, persistent epigastric or midabdominal pain that radiates to the back. The pain often worsens after eating and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and tenderness on palpation.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Metabolic acidosis fully compensated: Full compensation would result in a near-normal pH despite abnormal PaCO₂ and HCO₃⁻ levels. In this case, the pH is 7.23, indicating persistent acidemia. The presence of acidemia shows that compensation is incomplete.

B. Metabolic alkalosis partially compensated: Metabolic alkalosis presents with elevated pH and increased bicarbonate levels. This client has a low pH and decreased HCO₃⁻, which are inconsistent with alkalosis. The laboratory values reflect an acid–base imbalance in the opposite direction.

C. Metabolic acidosis partially compensated: The low pH and decreased bicarbonate indicate a primary metabolic acidosis. The PaCO₂ is decreased, reflecting respiratory compensation through hyperventilation. Because the pH remains acidic, compensation is partial rather than complete.

D. Respiratory alkalosis not compensated: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by elevated pH and decreased PaCO₂ with normal bicarbonate initially. The low bicarbonate level here indicates a metabolic component rather than a primary respiratory disorder.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. pH 7.38, PaCO₂ 55 mmHg, HCO₃ 22 mEq/dL: A near-normal pH with elevated PaCO₂ suggests respiratory acidosis with partial compensation rather than a primary metabolic acidosis. DKA is characterized by low pH and low bicarbonate due to accumulation of ketone acids. These values do not reflect that pattern.

B. pH 7.50, PaCO₂ 42 mmHg, HCO₃ 30 mEq/dL: An elevated pH and increased bicarbonate indicate metabolic alkalosis. DKA involves excess acid production, not alkalosis. These findings are inconsistent with ketone-driven acid–base changes.

C. pH 7.32, PaCO₂ 38 mmHg, HCO₃ 14 mg/dL: A low pH with markedly decreased bicarbonate reflects metabolic acidosis. In DKA, bicarbonate is consumed buffering ketone acids, and PaCO₂ may be normal or slightly decreased due to compensatory hyperventilation. These values align with expected acid–base disturbances.

D. pH 7.44, PaCO₂ 40 mmHg, HCO₃ 24 mg/dL: Normal pH, PaCO₂, and bicarbonate indicate a stable acid–base balance. DKA presents with significant metabolic derangements rather than normal laboratory findings.

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