Physiological Adaptation Q 121
Which of the following complications should the nurse carefully monitor a client with acute pancreatitis?
A. Myocardial Infarction
B. Cirrhosis
C. Peptic ulcer
D. Pneumonia
Correct Answer: D. Pneumonia
A client with acute pancreatitis is prone to complications associated with the respiratory system. The relationship between Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and acute pancreatitis has been debated in the literature. In 1973, Mardh et al. reported four adult cases of acute pancreatitis following pneumonia due to MP; in three of the patients, the pancreatitis occurred in the 3rd week after the onset of cough, by which time the respiratory tract symptoms had almost disappeared.
Option A: Myocardial infarction is not a complication of pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis may cause kidney failure, which can be treated with dialysis if the kidney failure is severe and persistent.
Option B: Kidney failure, not liver failure, can be caused by acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis may cause kidney failure, which can be treated with dialysis if the kidney failure is severe and persistent.
Option C: Pancreatitis cannot cause peptic ulcer. It is most commonly caused by a bacteria called H. pylori. H. pylorus is a gram-negative bacillus that is found within the gastric epithelial cells. This bacterium is responsible for 90% of duodenal ulcers and 70% to 90% of gastric ulcers. H. pylori infection is more prevalent among those with lower socioeconomic status and is commonly acquired during childhood.