Mr. James Smith, a 45-year-old accountant, was admitted to the hospital after experiencing severe abdominal pain for the past 24 hours. The pain, which he described as a constant, burning sensation in his upper abdomen, radiated to his back and was accompanied by nausea but no vomiting. He admitted to recent heavy alcohol consumption at a company retreat. His vital signs upon admission were notable for a fever of 38.5°C, heart rate of 110 bpm, and a blood pressure of 120/70 mmHg. His abdomen was tender on palpation, particularly in the epigastric area, with some guarding but no rebound tenderness. Laboratory tests showed significantly elevated levels of amylase and lipase, and an abdominal CT scan confirmed the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. What is the first step in the management of acute pancreatitis?
