A client with acute pancreatitis: which history factor is anticipated?

A client with acute pancreatitis: which history factor is anticipated?

• A. Gallstones
• B. GERD
• C. Shock
• D. Diabetes mellitus

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that gallstones are a common trigger for acute pancreatitis. When a stone blocks the biliary or pancreatic ducts at the ampulla of Vater, pancreatic enzymes can become activated inside the pancreas instead of in the duodenum. This leads to autodigestion and inflammation, which is the hallmark of acute pancreatitis. So a history of gallstone disease or biliary colic is a classic antecedent you’d anticipate in a patient with this condition. Other factors listed don’t fit as typical predisposing histories. GERD isn’t linked to pancreatitis, shock can occur as a complication or result of severe disease rather than as a preceding factor, and diabetes mellitus isn’t a common precipitating cause.

The main idea is that gallstones are a common trigger for acute pancreatitis. When a stone blocks the biliary or pancreatic ducts at the ampulla of Vater, pancreatic enzymes can become activated inside the pancreas instead of in the duodenum. This leads to autodigestion and inflammation, which is the hallmark of acute pancreatitis. So a history of gallstone disease or biliary colic is a classic antecedent you’d anticipate in a patient with this condition.

Other factors listed don’t fit as typical predisposing histories. GERD isn’t linked to pancreatitis, shock can occur as a complication or result of severe disease rather than as a preceding factor, and diabetes mellitus isn’t a common precipitating cause.