Function
Where is the pancreas
What is mid upper ABD, behind the stomach
These are the common causes of acute pancreatitis.
What are gallstones and ETOH consumption
This is a bowel symptom that can arise in chronic or severe acute pancreatitis:
What is steatorrhea
This is the goal of pain management in pancreatitis.
What is to decrease the enzymatic activity within the pancreas.
These enzymes are elevated in pancreatitis:
What are amylase and lipase
The secretions of what are digestive enzymes high in protein content and an electrolyte rich fluid.
What is the exocrine pancreas
How do gallstones cause pancreatitis?
What is by blocking the ampulla of vater which causes enzymes to back up into the pancreas
How does alcohol cause pancreatitis?
What is by thickening the secretions of the pancreas and causing direct toxicity to pancreatic cells
You would expect this dietary order for a Pt admitted with pancreatitis:
What is NPO
A low value of what correlates to severity of acute pancreatitis?
What is calcium
Pancreatic enzymes include:
These are common complications with acute pancreatitis:
What are hypoxia, shock, AKI, GI bleeding
This percentage of exocrine pancreatic cells can be damaged before symptoms present:
What is 90%
Why is supportive respiratory care important for pancreatitis patients?
What is inflammation in the cilia of the lungs
Why might a patients H&H drop after they are admitted?
What is due to N/V//fluid shifts/hemoconcentration on admit/GI bleed
The endocrine pancreas produces what?
What is insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin.
Pt’s with pancreatitis most often present with this physical symptom:
What is mid upper ABD and back pain that is severe
What would you expect the nutrition status to be for a Pt with chronic pancreatitis?
What is poor due to malabsorption
This is a vital assessment piece to reduce the risk of AKI:
What is I&O, monitor closely for decreased urine output.
What imaging studies are used to Dx pancreatitis?
What is ABD CT, CXR, ABD XR, US - rarely MRI
This can cause a decrease in pancreatic enzyme secretion as well as some fibrous material and fatty deposition in the pancreas.
What is aging - over 70
This often occurs 24-48 hours prior to an acute pancreatitis episode:
What is a heavy meal or large intake of ETOH
Why are antidepressants, mindfulness, yoga, and addiction treatment important in recovering from chronic pancreatitis?
Because of high ETOH use - often psych component
This education piece is vital for the patient with chronic pancreatitis?
What is absolute abstinence from alcohol
Why might the patients WBC be elevated?
What is necrosis/inflammation of the pancreas - higher value, more severe