In which conditions should a nurse expect to find ascites?

Ascites refers to the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, and it is commonly associated with various medical conditions that disrupt fluid balance. In this case, chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer can lead to ascites due to several mechanisms.

Chronic pancreatitis can cause irritation and inflammation of the tissues surrounding the pancreas, leading to abnormal fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. In addition, the associated scarring and potential development of pancreatic cysts can contribute further to fluid leaks into the peritoneum.

Pancreatic cancer, on the other hand, can lead to ascites primarily through its effects on the lymphatic system and the peritoneum itself. Cancer can obstruct normal lymphatic drainage or cause peritoneal irritation that results in fluid buildup. Moreover, cancer often increases vascular permeability, allowing plama to leak into the abdominal cavity, which can exacerbate the situation.

Both conditions lead to ascites through mechanisms of increased pressure in the abdominal vascular system or interference with lymphatic drainage, making this option the most accurate regarding the expected conditions in which a nurse would find ascites.

The other options contain conditions that are less likely to be directly associated with the development of ascites. For example, appendicitis and cholecyst