Question

Which assessment finding is of most concern for a 46-year-old woman with acute pancreatitis?

1) Absent bowel sounds
2) Abdominal tenderness
3) Left upper quadrant pain
4) Palpable abdominal mass

Answer 1

The most concerning assessment finding for a woman with acute pancreatitis is a palpable abdominal mass, indicating a potential serious complication like a pseudocyst or abscess. The correct option is 4.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the assessment findings for a 46-year-old woman with acute pancreatitis, the most concerning would be a palpable abdominal mass. This finding could suggest the presence of a severe complication such as a pancreatic pseudocyst or abscess, which may require immediate medical intervention.

While abdominal tenderness, left upper quadrant pain, and absent bowel sounds can be associated with pancreatitis, the presence of a palpable mass indicates a more serious development in the condition and thus represents a more critical concern.