Sanders chapter 7 - Epigastric Pain

Question 1

Enzyme secreted by the pancreas, responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates.

Answer 1

Amylase

Question 2

Bruising of flanks secondary to retroperitoneal bleeding.

Answer 2

Grey-Turner’s Sign

Question 3

Elevated concentration of lipid in the blood. Can cause pancreatitis.

Answer 3

Hyperlipidemia

Question 4

Dilated bowel secondary to decreased motility. Causes include acute pancreatitis, peritonitis, bowel ischemia, myocardial infarction, infection, and certain medications.

Answer 4

Ileus

Question 5

Increase in number of white blood cells in bloodstream. Can be due to infection.

Answer 5

Leukocytosis

Question 6

Digestive enzyme secreted by the pancreas that breaks down fats. Usually elevated along with amylase in acute pancreatitis.

Answer 6

Lipase

Question 7

Fluid that results from a ruptured pancreatic pseudocyst.

Answer 7

Pancreatic Ascites

Question 8

Accumulation of pancreatic fluid in a cyst-like loculus, but without an epithelial lining. May occur within or outside the pancreas.

Answer 8

Pancreatic Pseudocyst

Question 9

Acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas.

Answer 9

Pancreatitis

Question 10

Edematous, enlarged pancreas. Most commonly caused by alcohol or biliary disease.

Answer 10

Acute Pancreatitis

Question 11

Histological changes within the pancreas secondary to repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis. Results in gland atrophy as well as stone and cyst formation.

Answer 11

Chronic Pancreatitis

Question 12

Bleeding within the pancreas, associated with acute pancreatitis.

Answer 12

Hemorrhagic

Question 13

Inflammatory process that spreads to the soft tissues surrounding the pancreas.

Answer 13

Phlegmonous

Question 14

Congenital variant in which the dorsal and ventral pancreatic ducts fail to fuse. This condition may result in inadequate enzyme drainage, predisposing the individual to pancreatitis. More recent thinking casts doubt upon this possible association.

Answer 14

Pancreas Divisum

Question 15

Ulceration in the wall of the stomach or duodenum.

Answer 15

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

Question 16

Laboratory test that is elevated in the setting of acute pancreatitis. Also elevated with mumps, ischemic bowel disease, pelvic inflammatory disease, acute cholecystitis, renal failure, and PUD.

Answer 16

Serum Amylase

Question 17

Liquid form of nutrition administered through a central line.

Answer 17

Total Parenteral Nutrition

Question 18

Portion of the head of the pancreas that lies posterior to the superior mesenteric vein.

Answer 18

Uncinate Process