Pancreatitis (Study Guide)

Question 1

What is pancreatitis

Answer 1

• inflammation of the pancreas
• normally pancreas is protected from its enzymes by secreting inactive enzymes but with pancreatitis these enzymes are still damaging
• premature activation of pancreatic enzymes that cause auto-digestion and destruction of the pancreas and surrounding organs

Question 2

causes of pancreatitis

Answer 2

• gallbladder disease (most common)
• chronic alcohol
• smoking

Question 3

manifestations of pancreatitis

Answer 3

• Acute abd pain that is sudden and severe, seep piercing, continuous, aggravated by eating, not relieved by vomitting
• causes decreased BS or they are absent
• shock due to massive fluid shift
• fever, tachycardia, jaundice, abd distension, paralytic ilieus

Question 4

How to treat pancreatitis

Answer 4

• relieve pain (morphine and position changes)
• prevent or alleviate shock: fluid replacement- monitor albumin
• reduction of pancreatic secretions by NPO and NG tube and having high carb diet
• correct F+E: iv calcium if teteny, hypokalemia- monitor heart, glucose management
• prevent or treat infections: antibiotics (resp. tract infections are common so encourage coughing and deep breathing)
• remove precipitating cause: ERCP for gallstones

Question 5

pancreatitis dx

Answer 5

• increased amylase and lipase
• increased liver enzymes
• decreased calcium
• positive Chvostek and trousseaus sign

Question 6

What do you monitor in patients with pancreatitis

Answer 6

• breathing
• labs
• pain
• nutrition

Question 7

education for home care

Answer 7

• eliminate etoh
• avoid smoking
• pt to increase strength
• restric fats: carbs are less stimulating to pancreas, avoid crash dieting and binge eating

Question 8

complications of pancreatitis

Answer 8

• pleural effusion
• atelectasis
• PNA
• ARDS
• hypotension
• pseducyst: internal drainage procedure
• pancreatic abscess