Acute pancreatitis: pathophysiology, nursing diagnoses, and collaborative problems

Acute pancreatitis affects one per 10,000 people annually. Among the alcoholic population this number rises to one per 100. Etiologic factors are numerous, but the main causative agents are biliary tract disease and excessive alcohol intake. The exact mechanism of injury is unknown, but is believed to be either bile reflux into the pancreatic duct or stricture of the sphincter of Oddi. Through either of these pathways the pancreatic enzymes, normally inactive within the gland, are activated and begin digesting pancreatic tissue. Using the knowledge of major collaborative problems, nursing diagnoses, pathophysiology, appropriate assessment parameters, and nursing interventions discussed above, the nurse can develop an effective plan of care for managing the patient with acute pancreatitis.