NURS-3084EL Lecture Notes - Biliary Tract, Acute Pancreatitis, Fat Necrosis
Document Summary
Inflammation of the pancreas occurs in acute and chronic forms and may result from edema, necrosis, or hemorrhage. The prognosis is good when pancreatitis follows biliary tract disease, but poor when it"s a complication of alcoholism. Mortality reaches 60% when pancreatitis causes tissue destruction or hemorrhage. Exocrine: produce enzymes that break down carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Endocrine: produces several important hormones including insulin and glucagon. Edematous (interstitial): mild form, causes fluid accumulation and swelling of tissue and fat, no pancreatic necrosis. Hemorrhaging/necrotizing: severe form, causes cell death and tissue damage, large area of necrosis, hemorrhage in pancreas, loss of endocrine and exocrine function. Inflammation caused by premature activation of enzymes leads to: leakage of pancreatic enzymes, autodigestion of pancreatic tissue and other organs, can be associated with several other clinical disorders. Clinical manifestations: abdominal pain is the predominant symptom. May be first and only symptom of a mild attack. Commonly radiates to back (between 10th thoracis and 6th lumbar vertebrae)
