CAT Exam Practice Test Related

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When taking a health history of a client admitted with acute pancreatitis, which client complaint should be expected?

  • A. A low-grade fever and left lower abdominal pain
  • B. Severe headache and sweating all the time
  • C. Severe mid-epigastric pain after ingesting a heavy meal
  • D. Dull, continuous, right lower quadrant pain and nausea
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Severe mid-epigastric pain after ingesting a heavy meal.' This symptom is characteristic of acute pancreatitis due to inflammation of the pancreas, which often presents with severe pain in the mid-epigastric region that may worsen after eating. Choices A, B, and D describe symptoms that are not typically associated with acute pancreatitis. A low-grade fever and left lower abdominal pain (Choice A) may be more indicative of other conditions like diverticulitis. Severe headache and sweating (Choice B) are commonly seen in conditions like migraines or infections. Dull, continuous, right lower quadrant pain and nausea (Choice D) could be suggestive of appendicitis rather than acute pancreatitis.