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Acute alcoholic pancreatitis — ABEM Board MCQ

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EasyGI/Abdominal emergenciesAcute alcoholic pancreatitisABEM Board

A 35-year-old man presents as triage level 3 with epigastric pain radiating to the back after heavy alcohol intake. Lipase is 1,400 U/L, he is afebrile, BP is 122/76 mm Hg, and oxygen saturation is 98%. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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

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Correct answer: A — IV fluids, analgesia, antiemetics, and risk stratification for admission versus observation

Acute pancreatitis is initially managed supportively; antibiotics and ERCP are reserved for infected necrosis or biliary obstruction/cholangitis.

Reference: ACG acute pancreatitis guideline; ABEM EM Model