Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 62%
Simulated
The nurse is caring for a client who had a cholecystectomy two days ago. The client is febrile, reporting upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, and has had three episodes of vomiting in the last 8 hours. The nurse reviews the client's serum amylase and lipase level results which are twice the normal value. Based on these findings, the nurse should recognize the client is exhibiting symptoms of which condition?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Elevated amylase and lipase with fever, vomiting, and upper abdominal pain radiating to the back indicate acute pancreatitis, a potential post-cholecystectomy complication.