Pancreatitis

Etiology / Pathophysiology

• Gallstones, alcohol, high triglycerides, medications, trauma, or procedures.
• Pancreatic enzymes activate in the pancreas, causing inflammation and autodigestion.

Medications

No specific medication class was seeded for this card.

Nursing actions

• Assess severe epigastric pain radiating to back, nausea, and fluid status.
• Keep NPO if ordered, manage pain, and give IV fluids per protocol.
• Monitor glucose, calcium, respiratory status, and shock signs.

Complications

• Shock
• ARDS
• Hypocalcemia
• Hyperglycemia
• Infection

NCLEX cues

• Severe epigastric pain to back.
• Low calcium can occur.

Memory hooks

• Pancreas digests itself.

Labs / Diagnostics

• Lipase
• Amylase
• Glucose
• Calcium
• WBC

Review notes

• Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.