A 48-year-old man presents with severe epigastric pain radiating to the back, vomiting and raised serum lipase three times the upper limit of normal. ...

Question

A 48-year-old man presents with severe epigastric pain radiating to the back, vomiting and raised serum lipase three times the upper limit of normal. He drinks 6-8 standard drinks daily. Abdominal ultrasound shows no gallstones. What is the most important initial management step?

Accepted Answer

Begin aggressive IV fluid resuscitation and analgesia

Answer

Start broad-spectrum antibiotics

Answer

Arrange urgent ERCP

Answer

Start total parenteral nutrition

Answer

Perform diagnostic laparoscopy

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Acute pancreatitis

A 48-year-old man presents with severe epigastric pain radiating to the back, vomiting and raised serum lipase three times the upper limit of normal. He drinks 6-8 standard drinks daily. Abdominal ultrasound shows no gallstones. What is the most important initial management step?