Which of the following symptoms is associated with pancreatitis?

Which of the following symptoms is associated with pancreatitis?

• A. Right upper quadrant pain
• B. Left upper quadrant pain, radiating to the back
• C. Right lower quadrant pain
• D. Left lower quadrant pain, radiating to the back

Answer: (B)

The symptom associated with pancreatitis is left upper quadrant pain that can radiate to the back. This pain is characteristic of pancreatitis due to the anatomical location of the pancreas, which is situated in the upper abdomen, near the back. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the pain typically manifests in the upper abdomen and may indeed radiate to the back as a result of visceral nerve pathways being activated. In contrast, right upper quadrant pain is more commonly associated with gallbladder issues, left lower quadrant pain is often linked to conditions affecting the colon or reproductive organs, and right lower quadrant pain is usually indicative of appendicitis or other right-sided problems. Therefore, the characteristic pain associated with pancreatitis distinctly aligns with the symptom of left upper quadrant pain radiating to the back, making this answer appropriate in the context of the condition.

The symptom associated with pancreatitis is left upper quadrant pain that can radiate to the back. This pain is characteristic of pancreatitis due to the anatomical location of the pancreas, which is situated in the upper abdomen, near the back. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the pain typically manifests in the upper abdomen and may indeed radiate to the back as a result of visceral nerve pathways being activated.

In contrast, right upper quadrant pain is more commonly associated with gallbladder issues, left lower quadrant pain is often linked to conditions affecting the colon or reproductive organs, and right lower quadrant pain is usually indicative of appendicitis or other right-sided problems. Therefore, the characteristic pain associated with pancreatitis distinctly aligns with the symptom of left upper quadrant pain radiating to the back, making this answer appropriate in the context of the condition.