Pancreatitis

A nurse is providing dietary instructions to a client with a history of pancreatitis. Which instruction is correct?

"Maintain a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet."

A client has been newly diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and admitted to the acute medical unit. How should the nurse most likely explain the pathophysiology of this client's health problem?

"The enzymes that your pancreas produces have damaged the pancreas itself."

A nurse is preparing a client for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The client asks what this test is used for. Which statements by the nurse explains how ERCP can determine the difference between pancreatitis and other biliary disorders? Select all that apply.

"It can evaluate the presence and location of ductal stones and aid in stone removal." "It can assess the anatomy of the pancreas and the pancreatic and biliary ducts." "It can detect unhealthy tissues in the pancreas and assess for abscesses and pseudocysts."

A client with a history of alcohol abuse comes to the emergency department and complains of abdominal pain. Laboratory studies help confirm a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The client's vital signs are stable, but the client's pain is worsening and radiating to his back. Which intervention takes priority for this client?

Administering morphine I.V. as ordered

A client has a recent diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and is undergoing diagnostic testing to determine pancreatic islet cell function. The nurse should anticipate what diagnostic test?

Glucose tolerance test

A nurse is planning care for a client with acute pancreatitis. Which client outcome does the nurse assign as the highest priority?

Maintaining normal respiratory function

Which condition is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in clients with acute pancreatitis?

Pancreatic necrosis

A client with acute pancreatitis reports muscle cramping in the lower extremities. What pathophysiology concept represents the reason the client is reporting this?

Tetany related to hypocalcemia

A patient with acute pancreatitis puts the call bell on to tell the nurse about an increase in pain. The nurse observes the patient guarding; the abdomen is board-like and no bowel sounds are detected. What is the major concern for this patient?

The patient has developed peritonitis.

A client being treated for pancreatitis faces the risk of atelectasis. Which of the following interventions would be important to implement to minimize this risk?

Use incentive spirometry every hour.

A client with chronic pancreatitis is treated for uncontrolled pain. Which complication does the nurse recognize is most common in the client with chronic pancreatitis?

Weight loss

A nurse is caring for a client admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which nursing action is most appropriate for a client with this diagnosis?

Withholding all oral intake, as ordered, to decrease pancreatic secretions