Search

Purpose/goals: Severe pancreatitis is often the underlying cause for acute kidney injury (AKI), abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). These processes contribute to the high morbidity and mortality associated with this diagnosis. Nursing plays a key role in managing these patients through recognition of clinically significant changes, intervening and providing supportive treatment. Participants will examine the pathophysiology of severe pancreatitis, the resulting complications of this disease, and how to manage them. Outcome 1: Define severe pancreatitis Outcome 2: Identify potential complications of severe pancreatitis Outcome 3: Explore treatment strategies designed to mitigate these complications Session description: Severe pancreatitis patients are complex and difficult to manage. They often have multiple organ systems affected as the disease progresses resulting in profound morbidity. Severe pancreatitis has an approximate mortality rate of 26%. Often these patients have extended intensive care unit (ICU) lengths of stay and are severely debilitated. Much of the treatment is supportive. Some patients require surgical procedures and or interventions the timing of which is critical. This session will link the pathophysiology to the patient presentation and findings. Each complication will be discussed, as it relates to the underlying diagnosis. The treatment plan and symptom management will be discussed based on the current practice standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]