Pancreatitis Flashcards
What is Pancreatitis?
Acute inflammatory process of pancreas
What causes Pancreatitis?
Men: Chronic alcohol intake
Women: Gallbladder disease
What is the main difference between acute and chronic Pancreatitis?
Acute has no issues with glucose while chronic can cause DM
How do patients with Acute Pancreatitis describe the pain?
Abdominal pain
- Radiates to back
- Sudden onset
- Aggravated by eating
- Not relieved by vomiting
- Fetal position helps
Grey Turner’s spots/sign
Flank bruising
Cullen’s sign
Bruising around umbilicus
Acute Pancreatitis can cause what else to happen to the Pancreas?
Pancreatic abscess
- Cannot let abscess rupture
- Upper abd pain, mass, high fever, leukocytosis
- Requires prompt surgical drainage
What systemic complications can occur from Acute Pancreatitis?
Hypocalcemia > Tetany
- Trousseau: spasm of the muscles of the hand and forearm from blood pressure cuff
- Chvostek: twitch of facial muscles that occurs when gently tapping an individual’s cheek, in front of the ear.
Normal amylase & lipase
<160
Care for pt with Acute Pancreatitis
NPO Pain medication (usually morphine) NGT to relieve N/V & remove stuff that can stimulate pancreatic enzymes Antibiotics Dopamine for ongoing hypotension Could need to remove gallbladder Concern for men is alcohol withdrawal
Why would you give Albumin if patient goes into shock from Acute Pancreatitis?
Albumin will help with fluid and has protective qualities like protein
Nutritional therapy for Acute Pancreatitis
- NPO status initially
- Paternal if long term
- Monitor triglycerides if IV given
- Small, frequent feeding when able that are high in carbohydrates
- No alcohol
- DAKE vitamins supplemented
What is the biggest concern with doing an ERCP?
It can bring on Pancreatitis
What is the big goal with acute Pancreatitis?
Relief of pain and no recurrent attacks
What is the worst complication from acute Pancreatitis?
Shock (flashcard on different set)
