Pancreas Conditions

Question 1

Acute pancreatitis definition

Answer 1

inflammation of the pancreas

Question 2

What causes acute pancreatitis

Answer 2

OBSTRUCTION of the outflow of pancreatic enzymes lead to AUTODIGESTION of the pancreas cells

Question 3

Obstruction of the outflow of pancreatic enzymes can be caused by (4)

Answer 3

Pancreatic and bile duct obstruction (usually gallstone)
Alcohol
Drugs
Viral infection

Question 4

Backup of TRYPSIN in the pancreas causes

Answer 4

Edema, necrosis, hemorrhage

Question 5

Backup of ELASTASE in the pancreas causes

Answer 5

Hemorrhage

Question 6

Backup of LIPASE & PHOSPHOLIPASE in the pancreas causes

Answer 6

Fat necrosis

Question 7

Backup of KALLIKREIN in the pancreas causes

Answer 7

Edema, vascular permeability, smooth muscle contraction, shock

Question 8

Describe pain associated with acute pancreatitis

Answer 8

SEVERE epigastric pain
Sudden onset
May radiate to back

Question 9

Acute pancreatitis manifestations (8)

Answer 9

Abd distention,
Abd tenderness/ guarding
N/V
Hypoactive bowel sounds
Fever
Hypotension, tachycardia (r/t fluid loss)
Jaundice
Ecchymoses (severe)

Question 10

What lab values will be elevated with acute pancreatitis (4)

Answer 10

amylase
lipase
glucose
WBC

Question 11

What are the two signs of ecchymoses?

Answer 11

Grey Turner’s sign
Cullen’s sign

Question 12

What is Grey Turner’s sign?

Answer 12

Cyanosis or green/yellow/brown discoloration of the abdomen at the FLANKS

Question 13

What is Cullen’s sign?

Answer 13

Cyanosis or green/yellow/brown discoloration of the abdomen at the PERIUMBILICAL

Question 14

Complications of acute pancreatitis (6)

Answer 14

Pseudocyst
Abscess
Pulmonary complications
(r/t pain or pleural effusion)
Hypotension
Hypovolemic shock
Tetany from hypocalcemia

Question 15

Fat necrosis generates ___ that bind to calcium, causing ___

Answer 15

free fatty acids;
hypocalcemia

Question 16

What is a pancreatic psueodcyst?

Answer 16

Fluid-filled cavity that surrounds the outside of the pancreas
(Filled with necrotic debris)

Question 17

The clinical manifestations of a pseudocyst is similar to pancreatitis, plus ___ (1)

Answer 17

a palpable epigastric mass

Question 18

What is a pancreatic abcess?

Answer 18

A large fluid-filled cavity INSIDE the pancreas, resulting from extensive necrosis in the pancreas

Question 19

The clinical manifestations of a pancreatic abscess is similar to pancreatitis, plus ___ (3)

Answer 19

an abdominal mass, high fever, & leukocytosis

Question 20

Perforation of a pancreatic abscess OR pseudocyst will cause ___

Answer 20

peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum)

Question 21

Pseudocysts can be present in BOTH acute and chronic pancreatitis. T/F?

Answer 21

TRUE

Question 22

Chronic pancreatitis definition

Answer 22

Progressive, fibrotic disease of the pancreas

Question 23

Most common cause of chronic pancreatitis

Answer 23

Alcohol abuse

Question 24

Chronic Pancreatitis clinical manifestations (6)

Answer 24

Attacks of acute pancreatitis
Progressive signs of dysfunction after attacks
Chronic abdominal pain
Weight loss
Nutritional malabsorption (fats)
Diabetes (r/t loss of islet of Langerhans)

Question 25

What anticholinergic medication is used in both pancreatitis and cholecystitis for its antispasmodic effects?

Answer 25

Dicyclomine
[Bentyl]

Question 26

Antacids and H2-Receptor Antagonist are used in pancreatitis in order to…

Answer 26

Decrease HCl secretion in the stomach which decreases secretion of pancreatic enzymes

Question 27

Replacement therapy for pancreatic enzymes (use in chronic pancreatitis only)

Answer 27

Pancrelipase [Creon]

Question 28

How often must Pancrelipase [Creon] be taken?

Answer 28

with every meal and snack