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Acute pancreatitis — UKMLA MCQ

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HardGastroenterologyAcute pancreatitisUKMLAMRCP Part 1MRCEM SBAPARA

A 48-year-old with acute pancreatitis becomes tachycardic, hypoxic and oliguric six hours after admission. What is the most appropriate response to this deterioration?

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Correct answer: C — Escalate urgently for organ-support assessment while continuing resuscitation

The best answer is “Escalate urgently for organ-support assessment while continuing resuscitation”. Acute pancreatitis with hypoxia, oliguria or haemodynamic deterioration may be severe and needs urgent senior or critical-care assessment alongside fluid resuscitation, analgesia and cause-directed management. A modified Glasgow score can support early assessment but must not delay escalation for organ dysfunction. Routine antibiotics or surgery are not substitutes for stabilising the patient.

Reference: NICE: Pancreatitis (NG104): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng104