Author Question: The pain of pancreatitis is described as: A. Abdominal sharp and piercing pain in the left upper ... (Read 55 times)

kellyjaisingh · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The pain of pancreatitis is described as:

A. Abdominal sharp and piercing pain in the left upper quadrant
B. Dull and cramping pain in the right upper quadrant
C. Severe, epigastric pain radiating straight into the back
D. Sharp pain radiating to the shoulder

Question 2

The pain of costochondritis typically ____.

A. Mimics cardiac crushing and squeezing pain
B. Worsens with movement and full inspiration
C. Radiates from epigastrium into the back
D. Is a tearing and ripping pain

Cnarkel · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The pain of pancreatitis is severe, steady, and boringradiating from the epigastric region through to the back. It is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, tachycardia, hypotension, and diaphoresis. These symptoms are also seen in MI; however, the exquisite abdominal tenderness present in pancreatitis assists in differentiating it from cardiac pain.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Costochondritis, which is inflammatory pain of the chest wall, can often be differentiated from cardiac pain through history. A history of injury, heavy lifting, contact sports, excessive coughing, or late-stage pregnancy (which stretches the intercostal muscles) leads the examiner to consider chest wall pain. This often occurs in a younger population with no cardiac risk factors. One of the most helpful differentiating symptoms is that the pain is increased with movement, cough, or, in some cases, respiration.