Scribd
Upload
76 views2 pages

Acute Pancreatitis: Symptoms & Care

The document discusses acute pancreatitis including common clinical manifestations such as abdominal pain aggravated by food or lying down, nausea, vomiting and abdominal tenderness. Diagnostic tests that help confirm acute pancreatitis include elevated serum amylase and lipase levels, increased white blood cell count and CT scan. Complications of untreated pancreatitis can include hypovolemic shock, peritonitis, infection, lung issues, hyperglycemia and organ failure. A nursing diagnosis of fluid volume deficit is identified for a patient with pancreatitis along with interventions to monitor for deficits, reduce nausea and vomiting, and administer fluid and electrolyte replacements.

Uploaded by

Nyein Nu Winn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
76 views2 pages

Acute Pancreatitis: Symptoms & Care

The document discusses acute pancreatitis including common clinical manifestations such as abdominal pain aggravated by food or lying down, nausea, vomiting and abdominal tenderness. Diagnostic tests that help confirm acute pancreatitis include elevated serum amylase and lipase levels, increased white blood cell count and CT scan. Complications of untreated pancreatitis can include hypovolemic shock, peritonitis, infection, lung issues, hyperglycemia and organ failure. A nursing diagnosis of fluid volume deficit is identified for a patient with pancreatitis along with interventions to monitor for deficits, reduce nausea and vomiting, and administer fluid and electrolyte replacements.

Uploaded by

Nyein Nu Winn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

1. What are the common clinical manifestation and causes of acute pancreatitis?

Abdominal pain, including a sudden onset at a mid-epigastric or LUQ pain with


radiation to the back

Pain aggravated by a fatty meal, alcohol, or lying in a recumbent position

Abdominal tenderness and guarding


Nausea and vomiting
Fever, jaundice, confusion, and agitation
Cullens sign which is the discoloration of the abdomen and periumbilical area.
Turners sign which is the bluish discoloration of the flanks. Both signs are
indicative of pancreatitis.

2. Describe the diagnostic tests that help confirm the diagnoses of pancreatitis.

Elevation in Serum amylase (increases within 12 hour) and serum lipase (increases

slowly but remains increased for up to 2 weeks.)


WBC count also increases due to infection and inflammation.
Serum liver enzymes and bilirubin increase with associated biliary dysfunction
Moreover, contrast-enhanced CT scan is the most practical imaging modalities used
for diagnosing acute pancreatitis.

3. What are the complications that may arise if pancreatitis is not treated?

If pancreatitis is not treated in time, Mrs. Miller can have hypovolemia due to third

spacing and it can progress to hypovolemic shock which is the life threatening situation.
Peritonitis, perforation in the abdomen and infection.
She can also have pancreatic infection caused by leakage of fluid out of damaged

pancreatic duct.
Left lung effusion and atelectasis which are more common complication in older adults.
Hyperglycemia due to destruction of pancreatic beta cells.
Coagulation problems such as DIC.
Multi-system organ failure due to necrotizing hemorrhagic pancreatitis.

4. Identify one prioritized nursing diagnosis with 3 interventions for Mrs. Miller.
Nursing Diagnosis:

Fluid volume deficit, hypokalemia R/T decreased oral intake and excessive loss of fluid
and electrolytes associated with vomiting and nasogastric tube drainage

Interventions:
o Assess and monitor for signs and symptoms of fluid volume deficit such as low
B/P, weak, rapid pulse, decreased urine output and change in mental status.
o Perform actions to reduce nausea and vomiting and administer antiemetic as
needed.
o Monitor Lab results (BUN, Hct, serum electrolytes) and administer fluid and
electrolyte replacements if ordered.

You might also like