MediumGastroenterologyAcute pancreatitis early managementca-mccqe1
A 48-year-old man presents with acute epigastric pain radiating to the back, nausea and vomiting. He drinks 6-8 units of alcohol daily. Serum lipase is markedly elevated and ultrasound shows gallbladder sludge but no dilated bile ducts. Vital signs: BP 110/70 mm Hg, HR 104/min, RR 22/min. According to pancreatitis management principles, what is the key early intervention that improves outcomes?