Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions Related

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A nurse is performing an assessment on a client with a suspected diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The nurse assesses the client, knowing that which of the following is a hallmark sign of this disorder?

  • A. Severe abdominal pain relieved by vomiting
  • B. Severe abdominal pain that is unrelieved by vomiting
  • C. Hypothermia
  • D. Epigastric pain radiating to the neck area
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Severe abdominal pain that is unrelieved by vomiting. In acute pancreatitis, the pancreatic enzymes cause inflammation and damage to the pancreas, leading to severe abdominal pain that is typically constant and not relieved by vomiting. Vomiting may even worsen the pain. Other choices are incorrect because severe abdominal pain in acute pancreatitis is not relieved by vomiting (A), hypothermia is not a hallmark sign of acute pancreatitis (C), and epigastric pain radiating to the neck area is not a specific hallmark sign (D).