PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is a common symptom of pancreatitis?

1. Severe chest pain

2. Crampy abdominal pain

3. Severe and persistent epigastric pain

4. Lower back pain

The correct answer is: Severe and persistent epigastric pain

A characteristic symptom of pancreatitis is severe and persistent epigastric pain. This pain often arises in the upper abdomen, can be quite intense, and may radiate to the back. Patients frequently describe this pain as sharp or burning, which is indicative of inflammation of the pancreas. The location and intensity of the pain are important clinical features that help differentiate pancreatitis from other conditions that may present with abdominal discomfort. The nature of this pain is linked to the pathophysiology of pancreatitis, where the inflamed pancreas leads to irritation of surrounding tissues and visceral nerve endings. While other gastrointestinal conditions can also cause epigastric pain, the combination of severity, persistence, and potential radiation to the back is quite specific to pancreatitis. Understanding these pain characteristics is crucial for effective diagnosis and management of patients presenting with acute abdominal pain.