Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is a common sign and symptom of pancreatitis?
Which of the following is a common sign and symptom of pancreatitis?
- Epigastric pain that radiates to the left flank or shoulder (correct)
- Severe headache accompanied by visual disturbances
- Severe sharp pain localized only in the right upper quadrant
- Loss of sensation in the extremities
What is the primary laboratory finding that is specific to pancreatitis?
What is the primary laboratory finding that is specific to pancreatitis?
- Elevated triglycerides
- Decreased calcium
- Elevated lipase (correct)
- Elevated amylase
Which management strategy is recommended for patients with acute pancreatitis?
Which management strategy is recommended for patients with acute pancreatitis?
- Keep the patient NPO until they are pain-free (correct)
- Administer pancreatic enzymes before each meal
- Increase physical activity to improve pancreatic function
- Encourage high fat meals to promote digestion
What does Cullen’s sign indicate in a patient with pancreatitis?
What does Cullen’s sign indicate in a patient with pancreatitis?
Which factor is associated with chronic pancreatitis management?
Which factor is associated with chronic pancreatitis management?
Which of the following complications can occur due to pancreatitis?
Which of the following complications can occur due to pancreatitis?
What physiologic condition does Trousseau’s sign indicate in a patient with pancreatitis?
What physiologic condition does Trousseau’s sign indicate in a patient with pancreatitis?
What positions can help alleviate pain in a patient suffering from acute pancreatitis?
What positions can help alleviate pain in a patient suffering from acute pancreatitis?
Which lab finding is likely to be elevated in a patient experiencing acute pancreatitis?
Which lab finding is likely to be elevated in a patient experiencing acute pancreatitis?
What is the hallmark sign of acute pancreatitis pain?
What is the hallmark sign of acute pancreatitis pain?
Which medication is NOT recommended for managing chronic pancreatitis?
Which medication is NOT recommended for managing chronic pancreatitis?
In the management of acute pancreatitis, what is the recommended dietary approach?
In the management of acute pancreatitis, what is the recommended dietary approach?
What characterizes chronic pancreatitis in terms of patient experience?
What characterizes chronic pancreatitis in terms of patient experience?
What laboratory finding is associated with inflammation in pancreatitis?
What laboratory finding is associated with inflammation in pancreatitis?
Which sign indicates periumbilical bruising in pancreatitis?
Which sign indicates periumbilical bruising in pancreatitis?
Flashcards
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas, potentially acute or chronic, caused by activated pancreatic enzymes.
Acute Pancreatitis Symptoms
Acute Pancreatitis Symptoms
Severe, piercing pain radiating to the back and/or left flank/shoulder, nausea, vomiting, potential for bruising around belly button (Cullen’s sign) or on the flanks (Grey Turner’s sign).
Pancreatitis Lab Findings
Pancreatitis Lab Findings
Elevated amylase and lipase levels (with lipase being a more specific marker), elevated triglycerides and blood glucose while experiencing a drop in calcium.
Acute Pancreatitis Treatment
Acute Pancreatitis Treatment
Signup and view all the flashcards
Chronic Pancreatitis Management
Chronic Pancreatitis Management
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is the hallmark symptom of pancreatitis?
What is the hallmark symptom of pancreatitis?
Signup and view all the flashcards
Cullen's Sign
Cullen's Sign
Signup and view all the flashcards
Grey Turner's Sign
Grey Turner's Sign
Signup and view all the flashcards
Trousseau's Sign
Trousseau's Sign
Signup and view all the flashcards
Chvostek's Sign
Chvostek's Sign
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is the most specific lab test for pancreatitis?
What is the most specific lab test for pancreatitis?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What are the dietary restrictions for pancreatitis?
What are the dietary restrictions for pancreatitis?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What are the pain medications used in acute pancreatitis?
What are the pain medications used in acute pancreatitis?
Signup and view all the flashcards
How is chronic pancreatitis managed?
How is chronic pancreatitis managed?
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Pancreatitis: Study Notes
- Definition:
- Acute: An inflammatory process where activated pancreatic enzymes cause self-digestion of the pancreas.
- Chronic: A progressive and destructive disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the pancreas.
Symptoms (S/S):
- Pain: Severe, piercing pain radiating to the back, left flank, or shoulder. Often improves in the fetal position or leaning forward.
- Nausea and Vomiting (N/V): Common symptom.
- Weight Loss: Frequent in chronic pancreatitis.
- Jaundice: Generalized yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
- Cullen's Sign: Periumbilical bruising (bluish grey).
- Grey Turner's Sign: Ecchymosis (bruising) on the flanks.
- Trousseau's Sign: Hand spasms when a blood pressure cuff is inflated (due to hypocalcemia).
- Chvostek's Sign: Facial twitching when the facial nerve is tapped (due to hypocalcemia).
- Steatorrhea: Fatty, foul-smelling stools.
Diagnostic Labs:
- Amylase: Elevated, but returns to normal faster than Lipase.
- Lipase: Elevated (more specific for pancreatitis).
- Triglycerides: Elevated.
- Blood Glucose: Elevated (pancreas not producing sufficient insulin).
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): Elevated (indicates inflammation).
- Calcium: Decreased (associated with Chvostek's/Trousseau's signs).
- White Blood Cell (WBC) Count: Elevated (signifies inflammation).
Management:
-
Acute Pancreatitis:
- Diet: Avoid high-fat foods, heavy meals, alcohol.
- Medications: Opioids (morphine, ketorolac, hydromorphone), IV fluids (for dehydration), pancreatic enzymes with meals (not with protein only).
- NPO (Nothing by mouth): Until pain-free and able to eat, and lipase levels decline
- Other: NG tube, assess blood sugar (BSL) frequently, TPN, avoid smoking/alcohol/stress. Fetal, side lying, HOB elevated positioning. For acute necrotizing pancreatitis, give Imipenem.
-
Chronic Pancreatitis:
- Diet: Expect discomfort after eating. Daily weights.
- Medications: Cimetidine, Omeprazole, pancreatic enzymes (sprinkle on food, drink water, after tidine/prazole). Take with every meal/snack.
Pain Management (Important Note):
- Pain is a hallmark symptom of pancreatitis, and pain management is crucial.
- Position patients in ways to potentially reduce pain (fetal position, sitting up, leaning forward).
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers essential information about pancreatitis, including its definition, symptoms, and diagnostic indicators. It outlines acute versus chronic pancreatitis and provides details on specific signs that are crucial for identification and understanding of the condition. Essential for medical students and healthcare professionals.
