Final answer:
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas caused by various factors. The #1 cause is gallstones. Symptoms include intense abdominal pain, jaundice, and digestive problems. Eating worsens the pain. Liver enzymes AST and ALT may be elevated. Nursing interventions focus on pain management, comfort, and monitoring. Treatment for pain involves medications like analgesics and NSAIDs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas which can be caused by a variety of factors. The #1 cause of pancreatitis is gallstones, which block the normal flow of digestive enzymes and lead to inflammation. Other causes include chronic alcohol use, infections, genetic factors, and certain medications.
The symptoms of pancreatitis include intense pain in the central abdomen that may radiate to the back, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice), pale stools, dark urine, and digestive problems.
The pain of pancreatitis is usually worsened by eating. Eating triggers the release of digestive enzymes, which further irritate the inflamed pancreas. Therefore, avoiding food or taking small, frequent meals can help alleviate the pain.
In pancreatitis, the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) may be elevated. Elevated levels of these enzymes indicate damage to the liver.
Nursing interventions for pancreatitis include managing pain, providing comfort measures, administering medications as prescribed, monitoring vital signs and laboratory values, and assisting with nutritional support and fluid balance.
The pain of pancreatitis can be treated with medications such as analgesics (pain relievers) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In severe cases, hospitalization and more aggressive pain management may be necessary.