Question

A 48-year-old man presents with severe epigastric pain radiating to his back, associated with nausea and vomiting. He admits to heavy alcohol consumption. Serum amylase is 1200 U/L (reference range <100 U/L). What is the cornerstone of initial management?

Accepted Answer

Aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation

Answer

Nil by mouth and nasogastric tube insertion

Answer

Prophylactic intravenous antibiotics (e.g., Meropenem)

Answer

Urgent ERCP within 24 hours

Answer

Parenteral opioid analgesia

Practice question

A 48-year-old man presents with severe epigastric pain radiating to his back, associated with nausea and vomiting. He admits to heavy alcohol consumption. Serum amylase is 1200 U/L (reference range <100 U/L). What is the cornerstone of initial management?