Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 87%
Simulated
Three days after a cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis, a client reports persistent upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back. The client has vomited three times in the last 12 hours and has a temperature of 101.8┬░ F (38.7┬░ C). Serum amylase and lipase are twice the normal value. Based on these findings, the nurse should observe the client for which pathophysiological condition?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Elevated amylase/lipase, pain radiating to the back, vomiting, and fever suggest acute pancreatitis (A), possibly triggered by gallstones. Surgical site infection (B) lacks pancreatic markers. Hepatorenal failure (C) involves kidney/liver dysfunction. Biliary obstruction (D) may elevate bilirubin, not amylase.