A nurse is collecting data from a client who has acute pancreatitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Pain relieved by the prone position: Pain from acute pancreatitis is typically not relieved by lying prone. Clients often find some relief by sitting up, leaning forward, or assuming a fetal position, as these positions reduce pressure on the inflamed pancreas. B. Decreased WBC count: Acute pancreatitis usually triggers an inflammatory response, leading to an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count, not a decreased one. Leukocytosis is a common laboratory finding associated with the body's reaction to inflammation and possible infection. C. Hyperactive bowel sounds: In acute pancreatitis, bowel sounds are often decreased or absent due to paralytic ileus. Hyperactive bowel sounds would be more suggestive of other gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea or early intestinal obstruction. D. Epigastric pain: Severe, persistent epigastric pain that may radiate to the back is the hallmark symptom of acute pancreatitis. This pain is typically sudden in onset and worsens after eating or drinking, especially fatty foods.