pancreatitis Flashcards
What is pancreatitis?
Inflammation of the pancreas due to spillage of pancreatic enzymes, leading to autodigestion.
What are the common symptoms of pancreatitis?
LUQ/midepigastric pain radiating to the back, nausea, vomiting, low-grade fever, jaundice, decreased/absent bowel sounds.
What are Grey Turner’s and Cullen’s signs?
Grey Turner’s sign: Bruising on the flanks (retroperitoneal hemorrhage). Cullen’s sign: Bruising around the umbilicus (periumbilical hemorrhage).
What electrolyte imbalance is common in pancreatitis?
Hypocalcemia.
What are signs of hypocalcemia?
Chvostek’s sign (cheek twitching), Trousseau’s sign (wrist spasm with BP cuff), muscle spasms, seizures.
What are common risk factors for pancreatitis?
High-fat diet, excessive alcohol intake, gallstones.
When should tube feeds NOT be started?
When vomiting occurs or blood glucose is too high.
What type of feeding tube is preferred in pancreatitis?
NJ (nasojejunal) tube to bypass the pancreas when ready; NG tube for suctioning.
What is the initial dietary recommendation for pancreatitis?
NPO status to rest the pancreas.
What dietary changes should be made when resuming oral intake?
Small, frequent, low-fat meals.
What are key nursing interventions for pancreatitis?
Monitor for infection, assess fluid/electrolyte balance, watch for respiratory failure and hypocalcemia, provide pain relief, encourage smoking and alcohol cessation.
What are the key diagnostic tests for pancreatitis?
Serum amylase and lipase (elevated), hypocalcemia, low Hgb (due to bruising/blood loss), high blood glucose.
Why is hypocalcemia seen in pancreatitis?
Pancreatic enzymes bind to calcium, lowering serum calcium levels.
What medications are prescribed for chronic pancreatitis?
Pancreatic enzymes (given before meals to aid digestion), insulin (due to pancreatic insufficiency).
