A 40-year-old male patient enters the emergency department complaining of nausea and vomiting and severe abdominal pain. While assessing the patient, the patient's wife informs the nurse that the patient had ingested 24 oz of alcohol last evening
The patient's abdomen is rigid, and there is bruising to the patient's flank. The patient is exhibiting signs of:
A) Severe pancreatitis with possible peritonitis
B) Acute cholecystitis
C) Obstruction of the bowel
D) Acute appendicitis
Ans: A
Feedback: Severe abdominal pain is the major symptom of pancreatitis that causes patients to seek medical care. The pain of pancreatitis is accompanied by nausea and vomiting that does not relieve the pain or nausea. Abdominal guarding is present and a rigid or board-like abdomen may be a sign of peritonitis. Ecchymosis (bruising) to the flank or around the umbilicus may indicate severe peritonitis. Pain generally occurs 24 to 48 hours after a heavy meal or alcohol ingestion.
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