EP 19 - Pancreatitis

When the pancreas turns on itself, the result is acute pancreatitis, and it’s as painful as it is dangerous. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, walks you through the anatomy, symptoms, and essential nursing interventions for clients facing this inflammatory crisis. 

You’ll learn what happens when digestive enzymes activate too early, why that causes severe epigastric pain radiating to the back, and how to manage complications like third spacing, abdominal distension, and electrolyte imbalances. Morgan shares a vivid ED case that brings the patho to life and shows how early recognition + nursing priorities can make all the difference. 

Topics covered in this episode: 

• What causes acute pancreatitis 

• Classic signs and symptoms: pain, distension, nausea, and more 

• Why NPO + IV opioids + fluid resuscitation are the treatments of choice 

• Labs to expect: amylase, lipase, WBC count, CMP 

• What not to do—plus how to keep your client stable and the pancreas resting 

This is a foundational topic for med-surg exams, NCLEX prep, and clinical rotations—listen in and walk away confident. Because when it comes to pancreatitis, you can’t fix it fast, but you can prevent it from getting worse. 

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