skip to main content

ARDS after pancreatitis — SCE Acute Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardCritical Care MedicineARDS after pancreatitisSCE Acute Medicine

A 45-year-old man with severe pancreatitis develops worsening hypoxaemia despite high-flow oxygen. Chest radiograph shows bilateral infiltrates, echocardiography shows normal left ventricular function and fluid balance is positive. ABG on FiO2 0.8 shows PaO2 7.2 kPa. He is tiring and confused. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Refer for intubation and lung-protective ventilation

Severe hypoxaemia with bilateral infiltrates not explained by cardiac failure is consistent with ARDS and needs critical care ventilation. Lung-protective ventilation is central to ARDS management. More fluids may worsen gas exchange once shock is addressed. The pearl is that pancreatitis is a classic extrapulmonary trigger for ARDS.

Reference: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance#acute-medicine-order-79-1