Pancreatitis physical examination

Pancreatitis Main Page
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Causes
Classification Acute Pancreatitis Chronic Pancreatitis Hereditary Pancreatitis Autoimmune Pancreatitis
Differential Diagnosis

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Physical Examination

Findings on the physical exam will vary according to the severity of the pancreatitis, and whether or not it is associated with significant internal bleeding.

Vitals

Pulse

Rate

• Tachycardia

Blood Pressure

• The blood pressure may be high (when pain is prominent) or low (if internal bleeding or dehydration has occurred).

Respiratory Rate

• Respiratory rates are elevated

Abdomen

• Abdominal tenderness is usually found but may be less severe than expected given the patient's degree of abdominal pain.
• Bowel sounds may be reduced as a reflection of the reflex bowel paralysis (i.e. ileus) that may accompany any abdominal catastrophe.