Registered Dietitian Exam Prep

Answer: D - Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, may be caused by the destruction of pancreatic tissue by digestive enzymes, chronic alcoholism, and hypertriglyceridemia. Destruction of pancreatic tissue by digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas may result from trauma, drug use, or the presence of tumors. Chronic alcoholism can lead to pancreatitis by damaging the pancreatic duct. Hypertriglyceridemia may cause pancreatitis by stimulating excessive production of lipases needed for fat digestion; high levels of these enzymes can lead to severe inflammation of the pancreas.