Which of the following assessment findings is consistent with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis?

The presence of a gray-blue discoloration at the flank, also known as Grey-Turner's sign, is associated with acute pancreatitis. This discoloration occurs due to the breakdown of hemoglobin in the tissues surrounding the retroperitoneal area. In acute pancreatitis, especially when there is hemorrhagic pancreatitis or significant necrosis, blood can leak into surrounding tissues, leading to this characteristic bruising. This finding is indicative of severe inflammation and possible bleeding, which are key concerns in acute pancreatitis.

The other assessment findings, while they can indicate various gastrointestinal issues, are not specifically linked to acute pancreatitis. Diarrhea may occur for numerous reasons, including infections or irritable bowel syndrome, but it is not a classic finding of acute pancreatitis. Black, tarry stools indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly in the upper GI tract, but this is not a hallmark of pancreatitis. Hyperactive bowel sounds may occur in various conditions, including obstruction or infection, but they do not specifically point toward pancreatitis. Thus, the gray-blue coloration at the flank stands out as a significant and distinguishing characteristic of acute pancreatitis.