Question

question 36 (mandatory) (1 point)
a 47 - year - old male patient presents with severe stabbing abdominal pain, nausea, chills, and sweating. during the history he reveals that he drinks at least 5 - 6 drinks a night lab work reveals elevated glucose, elevated amylase, and elevated lipase. his blood pressure is 106/70 and he has a slight fever. what is the most likely diagnosis?
a) acute pancreatitis
b) cirrhosis
c) cholecystitis
d) diabetes

Explanation:

• Acute pancreatitis:
• Risk factor: Heavy alcohol use (patient drinks 5 - 6 drinks a night).
• Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain (stabbing), nausea, chills, sweating, and slight fever.
• Lab findings: Elevated amylase and lipase (key enzymes for pancreatic function, elevated in pancreatitis), and elevated glucose (pancreatic damage can affect insulin - producing cells).
• Cirrhosis:
• Typical symptoms: Usually presents with jaundice, ascites (abnormal fluid accumulation in the abdomen), and portal hypertension - related symptoms (e.g., esophageal varices). There is no mention of these in the patient's presentation.
• Cholecystitis:
• Symptoms: Right upper quadrant pain (often colicky, related to gallbladder contraction, e.g., after fatty meals). The key lab marker for cholecystitis is not elevated amylase and lipase (unless there is biliary - pancreatic duct obstruction, but the alcohol history points more to pancreas).
• Diabetes:
• Symptoms: Classic symptoms are polyuria (excessive urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and polyphagia (excessive hunger). The patient has acute abdominal symptoms and elevated pancreatic enzymes, which are not typical for uncomplicated diabetes.

Answer:

A. Acute pancreatitis