Pancreatitis: NCLEX Priorities
Acute pancreatitis: GET SMASHED causes, Cullen and Grey Turner, Ranson criteria, NPO + IV.
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. NCLEX tests causes, severity, and management.
Causes (GET SMASHED)
Gallstones, Ethanol, Trauma, Steroids, Mumps, Autoimmune, Scorpion sting (rare), Hypertriglyceridemia/hypercalcemia, ERCP, Drugs (azathioprine, valproate, others).
Recognition
Epigastric pain radiating to back. N/V. Elevated lipase (>3× upper limit). Cullen's sign (periumbilical bruising) and Grey Turner's sign (flank bruising) in severe hemorrhagic pancreatitis.
Management
NPO, IV fluids (aggressive), pain control, anti-emetics. Most resolve within days. ICU for severe. Antibiotics only if infected necrosis.
Complications
Pseudocyst, abscess, necrosis, ARDS, AKI.
Frequently asked
Lipase vs amylase?
Lipase more specific and stays elevated longer.
When restart feeding?
Soft diet as tolerated when pain improves. Early enteral feeding (within 24-72h) in severe pancreatitis.
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