Final answer:
The appropriate initial treatment goal for a client with acute pancreatitis, obesity, and a history of alcohol abuse is to decrease pain. Pain management is crucial during the acute phase of pancreatitis to improve the client's comfort and recovery participation.
Step-by-step explanation:
An appropriate initial treatment goal for a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis who is obese and has a history of alcohol abuse would be A. Decreased pain. Pain management is a priority in the treatment of acute pancreatitis due to the associated intense pain that can have a significant impact on the client's comfort and ability to participate in recovery. Treatment typically involves administering drugs to manage pain while also addressing underlying causes.
While long-term goals for this patient may include B. Selection of appropriate food choices, C. Joining Alcoholics Anonymous, and D. A loss of 4 pounds (1.8 kg) per week to tackle obesity and alcohol abuse issues, these are not the immediate concerns when dealing with the acute episode of pancreatitis. The focus should be on stabilizing the patient and managing the acute symptoms.