Question

A 55-year-old man presents with acute severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back and vomiting. He drinks 40 units of alcohol weekly. Serum amylase is 1200 U/L (>3 times normal). What is the most crucial aspect of initial management?

Accepted Answer

Aggressive IV fluid resuscitation and analgesia

Answer

Empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics

Answer

Urgent ERCP

Answer

Urgent CT abdomen with contrast

Answer

Nil by mouth and NG tube insertion

Practice question

A 55-year-old man presents with acute severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back and vomiting. He drinks 40 units of alcohol weekly. Serum amylase is 1200 U/L (>3 times normal). What is the most crucial aspect of initial management?