Nur 255
NUR 255 Exam: 5 Pancreatic and Biliary
Study Guide 2025-2026
Acute Pancreatitis
•80% cases are the result of cholelithiasis or sustained alcohol abuse
•Enzymes lead to vasodilation, increased vessel permeability, necrosis,
erosion, and hemorrhage
What are some symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis?
•Severe abdominal pain radiating into back occurring 24-48 hours after a
heavy meal or alcohol ingestion
•Peritonitis (abdominal guarding/rigid board-like abdomen)
•Severe pancreatitis
•Respiratory distress
•Patient appears ill (Fever, Jaundice, Mental confusion, Agitation)
Acute Pancreatitis: Pathophys
Inflammation causes overproduction of digestive enzymes and destroys
pancreas
What are treatment options for Acute Pancreatitis?
•Patient is NPO
•Enteral Feedings- may need parenteral feedings if unable to tolerate
•Pain management- parenteral opioids or NSAIDs
•ICU care
Nur 255
, Nur 255
What are risk factors increase chances of having Acute Pancreatitis?
•Chronic/heavy alcohol ingestion
Cholecystitis
•Inflammation of the gallbladder
•Can be acute or chronic
What are some signs/symptoms of Cholecystitis?
Pain, tenderness, and rigidity of the upper right abdomen which may radiate
to the midsternal area or right shoulder
Cholelithiasis
Calculi or gallstones for in the GB from the solid constitutes of bile
What are some sign/symptoms of Cholelithiasis?
•Epigastric distress/ vague RUQ pain (Usually follows meal rich in fried or
fatty foods)
•Biliary Colic (infection of GB)
•Nausea/vomiting several hours after heavy meal
•Jaundice (occurs with obstruction of biliary duct)
•Dark urine and clay colored stool
What risk factors increase the chance of getting Cholelithiasis?
•Cystic fibrosis
•Diabetes
•Frequent changes in weight
Nur 255
NUR 255 Exam: 5 Pancreatic and Biliary
Study Guide 2025-2026
Acute Pancreatitis
•80% cases are the result of cholelithiasis or sustained alcohol abuse
•Enzymes lead to vasodilation, increased vessel permeability, necrosis,
erosion, and hemorrhage
What are some symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis?
•Severe abdominal pain radiating into back occurring 24-48 hours after a
heavy meal or alcohol ingestion
•Peritonitis (abdominal guarding/rigid board-like abdomen)
•Severe pancreatitis
•Respiratory distress
•Patient appears ill (Fever, Jaundice, Mental confusion, Agitation)
Acute Pancreatitis: Pathophys
Inflammation causes overproduction of digestive enzymes and destroys
pancreas
What are treatment options for Acute Pancreatitis?
•Patient is NPO
•Enteral Feedings- may need parenteral feedings if unable to tolerate
•Pain management- parenteral opioids or NSAIDs
•ICU care
Nur 255
, Nur 255
What are risk factors increase chances of having Acute Pancreatitis?
•Chronic/heavy alcohol ingestion
Cholecystitis
•Inflammation of the gallbladder
•Can be acute or chronic
What are some signs/symptoms of Cholecystitis?
Pain, tenderness, and rigidity of the upper right abdomen which may radiate
to the midsternal area or right shoulder
Cholelithiasis
Calculi or gallstones for in the GB from the solid constitutes of bile
What are some sign/symptoms of Cholelithiasis?
•Epigastric distress/ vague RUQ pain (Usually follows meal rich in fried or
fatty foods)
•Biliary Colic (infection of GB)
•Nausea/vomiting several hours after heavy meal
•Jaundice (occurs with obstruction of biliary duct)
•Dark urine and clay colored stool
What risk factors increase the chance of getting Cholelithiasis?
•Cystic fibrosis
•Diabetes
•Frequent changes in weight
Nur 255
