Identification of pancreatitis in the ambulatory setting.

Acute pancreatitis can be life threatening. As a nurse practitioner, you are expected to accurately diagnose, treat, and refer as necessary. Because many different types of disease can cause abdominal pain, it is prudent to know signs, symptoms, and risk factors for pancreatitis. After reviewing this article, nurses should have a better understanding of acute pancreatitis and be able to recognize when it strikes.