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Client presents with abdominal pain in the upper left quadrant for the past 2 days. States pain became worse this morning and is radiating to the back. Rates pain as 8 on a scale of 0 to 10.

a. Pancreatitis.

b. Administer pain medication and antiemetic.

c. Monitor amylase and lipase levels.

d. Assess for jaundice and dark urine.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The patient's symptoms suggest pancreatitis, a condition characterized by intense abdominal pain, potentially accompanied by jaundice and dark urine. Treatment involves managing symptoms and checking amylase and lipase for diagnosis, while an abdominal ultrasound may be used to identify gallstones.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pancreatitis and its Clinical Presentation

The clinical scenario suggests the patient may be suffering from pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis typically presents with intense abdominal pain in the central region, often radiating to the back, and can be associated with other symptoms such as jaundice and dark urine, indicating the potential for a biliary obstruction. Monitoring amylase and lipase levels is crucial for diagnosis as these enzymes are elevated in cases of pancreatitis. The use of an abdominal ultrasound can aid in detecting gallstones or other complications such as abscesses or pseudocysts, which could be contributing to the obstruction and inflammation of the pancreas.

An appropriate response would be to administer medications for pain and nausea (antiemetic), assess for jaundice and dark urine, and monitor enzyme levels. This comprehensive approach aims to manage symptoms and investigate the underlying cause of the patient's pain, which could indicate a more serious condition such as pancreatitis.

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