Inflammation of the Pancreas that may
result in autodigestionof the pancreas by
its own enzymes.
INCIDENCE
Common among middle aged men &
women
5000 cases/yr in US
Acute Pancreatitis
Function of the
pancreas is to
release proteolytic
enzymes that assist
in the breaking down
food products so that
nutrients can be
absorbed.
Etiology& Risk factors
Abdominal Trauma
Use of alcohol *
Biliary tract disease
(cholelithiasis)
Viral or Bacterial disease
Peptic Ulcer Disease
HYPERLIPIDEMIA
*most common causes
Pathophysiology
Due to the etiology
injury to the pancreatic cells/activate the pancreatic
enzymes
Enzymes may be triggered by reflux of bile from the
duodenum into the pancreatic duct /by pancreatic
obstruction.
Pancreatic ischemia
Acute Pancreatitis
Etiology and Pathophysiology
Pancreatic Ducts
become obstructed
Hypersecretion of the exocrine
enzymes of pancreas
These enzymes enter the bile duct,
where they are activated and with bile
back up into the pancreatic duct
Pancreatitis
Acute Pancreatitis
Etiology and Pathophysiology
Trypsinogen-(a proteolytic enzyme)
Normally released into the small
intestine, where it is activated to trypsin
In AP, activated to trypsin in the
pancreas causing autodigestion of
pancreas
Bleeding
Progression of Disease
Autodigestion
Acute Inflammation of Pancreas
Necrosis of Pancreas
Digestion of vascular walls
Thrombus and Hemorrhage
Death
Acute Pancreatitis
Clinical Manifestations
Severe Abdominal painis predominant symptom
Pain located in LUQ and mid-epigastrium
Commonly radiates to the back
Sudden onset
Severe, deep, piercing, steady
Aggravated by fatty meal or lying recumbent
position
Not relieved by vomiting
The pain may be accompanied by flushing ,
cyanosis ,& dyspnea
Grey Turner’s sign: bluish discoloration of the
left flank
Cullen’s sign; bluish discoloration of the
periumbilical area .
Cerebral abnormalities; confusion, psychosis &
coma.
When the pancreas get damaged free fatty
acids are generated by the action of pancreatic
lipase . Insoluble calcium salts are present in
the pancreas ,& free fatty acids avidly chelate
the salts , resulting in ca deposition in the
reteroperitoneum .
Acute Pancreatitis
Diagnostic Studies
Abdominal x ray
Abdominal/endoscopic ultrasound
Endoscopic retrograde
cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Chest x-ray
CT of pancreas
Magnetic resonance
cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
Complications
Pseudocyst ; it is accumulation of fluid,
pancreatic enzymes , tissue debris &
inflammatory exudates surrounded by a wall
C/M; abdominal pain palpable epigastric mass ,
nausea, vomiting & anorexia.
It resolves within weeks
Pancreatic Abscess ; Pus collection in the
pancreas .
It results from extensive necrosis of the
pancreas
Acute Pancreatitis
Goals of Care
Relief of pain
Prevention or alleviation of shock
Decrease respiratory failure
↓of pancreatic secretions
Maintain Fluid/electrolyte balance
Treatment and Nursing Care
1. Pain management
IV morphine
Antispasmodic agent
Bentyl
Pro-Banthine
Spasmolytics –Nitroglycerine
Positioning –sitting up and leaning forward
Treatment
2. Prevention of Shock –hemodynamic
stability
* Administer Blood, Plasma expanders, Albumin
* RL solution/ Electrolyte solutions
Treatment and Nursing Care
3. Suppress pancreatic enzymes
* NPO
* NG suction
* Antacids, H2 receptor antagonists, antispasmotics
4. Decrease respiratory distress
* Oxygen; check O
2saturation levels
* Semi-fowlers position, knees flexed, position
changes
* C, A B; incentive spirometer
5. Antibiotics
Treatment and Nursing Care
6. Correction of electrolyte imbalance/
hypocalcemia
7. Maintain Hydration / Nutrition
Treatment and Nursing Care
Surgical therapy –if related to gallstones
ERCP
Endoscopic sphincterotomy
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Follow up care
Dietary teaching
High-carbohydrate, low-fat diet
Abstinence from alcohol,
Patient/family teaching
* Signs of infection, high blood
glucose, steatorrhea
Treatment -Home Care