PANCREATITIS

Question 1

what’s the 2 normal functions of the pancreas?

Answer 1

• Gastrointestinal function – enzyme release.
• Endocrine function – hormone release.

Question 2

2 Endocrine function of the pancreas dose?

Answer 2

*Produces Insulin from β-cells.
*Produces Glucagon from α-cells.

Question 3

3 Gastrointestinal function of the pancreas dose?

Answer 3

• Pancreatic proteases (such as trypsin and chymotrypsin) - which help to digest proteins.
• Pancreatic amylase - which helps to digest sugars (carbohydrates).
• Pancreatic lipases - which helps to digest fat.

Question 4

What 2 main causes of Acute Pancreatitis?

Answer 4

gall stones
excess alcohol consumption.

Question 5

Excess alcohol consumption that causes Acute Pancreatitis has an onset of?

Answer 5

• 6-12 hours

following heavy drinking.

Question 6

What is the theory of how Excessive alcohol consumption affects the pancreas ?

Answer 6

alters pancreatic secretion rates
changes metabolic action.
enzymes enters the pancreatic duct.

Question 7

Acute Pancreatitis can become severe by?

Answer 7

pancreas and surrounding tissues may die (necrosis).

Pancreatic enzymes and chemicals may get into the bloodstream causing inflammation and damage to other organs.

Question 8

When Acute Pancreatitis can become severe this can lead to 4 conditions?

Answer 8

shock
respiratory failure
kidney failure
other complications.

This is a very serious situation which can be fatal.

Question 9

When necrosis occurs, the pancreas will begin to bleed. what signs to look for?

Answer 9

*Cullen’s sign (bruising around the umbilicus)
*Grey Turner’s sign (bruising to the flank areas).

Question 10

Cullen’s sign is?

Answer 10

bruising around the umbilicus

Question 11

Grey Turner’s sign?

Answer 11

bruising to the flank areas

Question 12

4 Symptoms of acute Pancreatitis are?

Answer 12

• Abdo pain through to back – aggravated by eating.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Abdominal distension – ascites.
• Later symptom – hypotension.

Question 13

7 things that Chronic Pancreatitis is caused by?

Answer 13

Alcohol
Smoking
Genetic conditions
Autoimmune conditions
Malnutrition
Other causes
Unknown

Question 14

Chronic Pancreatitis progression?

Answer 14

1) inflammation causes scarring and damage to the pancreas.

2) leads to not enough chemicals (enzymes) and insulin being made.

3) lack of enzymes causes poor digestion.

4) clumps of calcium are deposited and can form stones in the pancreas.

Question 15

What forms stones in the pancreas?

Answer 15

clumps of calcium are deposited and can form
stones in the pancreas.

Question 16

What can Calcium stones and/or scarring of the
pancreatic tubes (ducts) do?

Answer 16

block the flow of enzymes along the ducts leading to obstruction.

Question 17

Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis?

Answer 17

similar to the acute state.

malabsorption
reduced β-cell function
heart conduction function

Question 18

Treatment of Chronic Pancreatitis?

Answer 18

• Identification from thorough history taking, examination and assessment
• Analgesia
• Hospital if necessary