Sherpath: Pancreatitis Exam Questions and
Answers
The caregiver of a patient with suspected pancreatitis asks the nurse why both serum amylase and
serum lipase tests are being done if they are both enzymes related to the pancreas. Which
explanation by the nurse accurately explains why both are being done?
"The serum amylase can be high due to other causes, so we also run the serum lipase."
Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis?
Inflammation activates enzymes, resulting in autodigestion within the pancreas.
The nurse is evaluating a patient in the emergency department for suspected pancreatitis. Which
factors, if present in the patient history or current assessment, would increase the risk for
pancreatitis?
History of gallstones
Presence of biliary sludge
African American ethnicity
30 pack year history of smoking
Following teaching, the nurse is evaluating the patient's understanding of the need for both an
endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), plus endoscopic sphincterotomy, and a
laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Which statement by the patient indicates the need for further
teaching?
"A laparoscopic cholecystectomy visualizes the colon, and the ERCP removes the gallstones."
The nurse is reviewing the current prescriptions for a patient with pancreatitis. Following a recent
assessment, the patient was found to have decreased bowel sounds and abdominal distention. Which
current medication order would the nurse question for this patient?
Dicyclomine
The nurse is awaiting orders for a patient being admitted from the emergency room for conservative
therapy for pancreatitis. The nurse would include which goals in the plan of care for the newly
admitted patient?
Patient will remain free of infection.
Patient will verbalize understanding of NPO status.
Fluid and electrolyte levels are within normal limits.
Patient will rate pain at less than 2 in a 24-hour period.
Which assessment finding would demonstrate the efficacy of pancreatic enzyme replacement?
No evidence of steatorrhea
A patient presents to the primary care provider one week after hospital discharge for an episode of
acute pancreatitis. The patient reports a fever that has lasted for the last few days and stools have
had a "really foul smell" and "appear greasy." A finger stick for blood glucose indicates a glucose level
of 220 mg/dL. Which does the nurse suspect may be occurring?
Further pancreatic destruction
Answers
The caregiver of a patient with suspected pancreatitis asks the nurse why both serum amylase and
serum lipase tests are being done if they are both enzymes related to the pancreas. Which
explanation by the nurse accurately explains why both are being done?
"The serum amylase can be high due to other causes, so we also run the serum lipase."
Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis?
Inflammation activates enzymes, resulting in autodigestion within the pancreas.
The nurse is evaluating a patient in the emergency department for suspected pancreatitis. Which
factors, if present in the patient history or current assessment, would increase the risk for
pancreatitis?
History of gallstones
Presence of biliary sludge
African American ethnicity
30 pack year history of smoking
Following teaching, the nurse is evaluating the patient's understanding of the need for both an
endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), plus endoscopic sphincterotomy, and a
laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Which statement by the patient indicates the need for further
teaching?
"A laparoscopic cholecystectomy visualizes the colon, and the ERCP removes the gallstones."
The nurse is reviewing the current prescriptions for a patient with pancreatitis. Following a recent
assessment, the patient was found to have decreased bowel sounds and abdominal distention. Which
current medication order would the nurse question for this patient?
Dicyclomine
The nurse is awaiting orders for a patient being admitted from the emergency room for conservative
therapy for pancreatitis. The nurse would include which goals in the plan of care for the newly
admitted patient?
Patient will remain free of infection.
Patient will verbalize understanding of NPO status.
Fluid and electrolyte levels are within normal limits.
Patient will rate pain at less than 2 in a 24-hour period.
Which assessment finding would demonstrate the efficacy of pancreatic enzyme replacement?
No evidence of steatorrhea
A patient presents to the primary care provider one week after hospital discharge for an episode of
acute pancreatitis. The patient reports a fever that has lasted for the last few days and stools have
had a "really foul smell" and "appear greasy." A finger stick for blood glucose indicates a glucose level
of 220 mg/dL. Which does the nurse suspect may be occurring?
Further pancreatic destruction
