A 45-year-old man presents with epigastric pain radiating to the back, vomiting and tachycardia. Serum amylase is 4 times the upper limit of normal. H...

Question

A 45-year-old man presents with epigastric pain radiating to the back, vomiting and tachycardia. Serum amylase is 4 times the upper limit of normal. He drinks heavily and has gallstones on previous imaging. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Admit for intravenous fluids, opioid analgesia and close monitoring

Answer

Start oral feeding immediately and discharge if pain improves

Answer

Arrange urgent ERCP for all patients with pancreatitis

Answer

Start prophylactic broad-spectrum antibiotics in all cases

Answer

Refer immediately for elective cholecystectomy within 24 hours

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Acute pancreatitis – initial management

A 45-year-old man presents with epigastric pain radiating to the back, vomiting and tachycardia. Serum amylase is 4 times the upper limit of normal. He drinks heavily and has gallstones on previous imaging. What is the most appropriate initial management?