Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

Which factor is a common cause of pancreatitis?

1. High blood pressure

2. Gallstones

3. Dehydration

4. Low cholesterol

The correct answer is: Gallstones

Gallstones are a common cause of pancreatitis because they can obstruct the pancreatic duct or the common bile duct, leading to inflammation of the pancreas. When a gallstone blocks the duct, digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas can back up and start digesting the pancreatic tissue itself, resulting in inflammation and pain associated with pancreatitis. This condition is often severe and requires medical intervention, as the inflammation can lead to complications if not properly managed. In contrast, while high blood pressure, dehydration, and low cholesterol can impact overall health, they do not have the same direct effect on the pancreas or its function in the same way that gallstones do. High blood pressure is more related to cardiovascular issues, dehydration typically affects kidney function, and low cholesterol does not contribute to the factors that cause inflammation of the pancreas. Thus, gallstones are specifically linked to the development of pancreatitis.