A 31-year-old female is diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. Which of the following will be part of the treatment plan?

Choice A reason:
HIV can be transmitted through blood products. This mode of transmission occurs when contaminated blood, used in transfusions or other medical procedures, carries the virus to another person. It is one of the primary ways HIV spreads, especially before strict blood screening protocols were implemented.
Choice B reason:
Perinatal transmission refers to the transmission of HIV from a mother to her fetus during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. This is a significant mode of transmission, particularly in regions with high HIV prevalence and limited access to antiretroviral therapy.
Choice C reason:
This choice is incorrect because HIV is not transmitted through airborne means. Unlike respiratory viruses, HIV requires direct contact with certain body fluids for transmission. Airborne transmission would imply that the virus could spread through the air, which is not the case with HIV.
Choice D reason:
Sexual transmission is a major route for HIV spread. The virus is present in bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal fluids, and rectal fluids. Unprotected sexual contact allows the virus to pass from one person to another, making this a crucial mode of HIV transmission.

Choice A reason:
Nasogastric suctioning is a common intervention in managing acute pancreatitis when there is severe nausea, vomiting, or evidence of intestinal obstruction. The procedure helps to decompress the stomach, reduce pancreatic stimulation, and minimize the risk of aspiration. It is particularly indicated for patients who cannot tolerate oral intake or exhibit signs of paralytic ileus. By reducing gastric distension and suppressing pancreatic secretions, nasogastric suctioning aids in alleviating symptoms and improving patient outcomes.
Choice B reason:
Narcotic analgesics are essential for controlling the intense abdominal pain that accompanies acute pancreatitis. The pain arises due to inflammation and autodigestion of pancreatic tissue by enzymes like trypsin. Medications such as morphine or hydromorphone provide effective relief by acting on opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Adequate pain management is crucial not only for patient comfort but also to mitigate stress-related complications that can worsen inflammation or systemic effects.
Choice C reason:
Steroid therapy is generally not part of the treatment for acute pancreatitis unless there is an associated autoimmune component. In most cases, the use of steroids could exacerbate the condition or increase the risk of complications such as infections. As such, this option is not appropriate in routine management of acute pancreatitis.
Choice D reason:
Restriction of food intake is a critical component of the treatment plan. Fasting minimizes pancreatic stimulation and allows the inflamed pancreas to rest. Typically, patients are kept nil by mouth (NPO) until their symptoms subside. Nutrition can then be gradually reintroduced, starting with clear liquids and advancing as tolerated. Enteral feeding via a nasojejunal tube may be considered if prolonged fasting is required.
Choice E reason:
IV fluids are a cornerstone of acute pancreatitis management. Fluid resuscitation is necessary to address hypovolemia caused by fluid shifts, vomiting, and third-spacing of fluids into inflamed tissues. Aggressive hydration with isotonic crystalloids, such as normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution, helps maintain hemodynamic stability and improves microcirculation in the pancreas, reducing the risk of complications such as necrosis or organ failure.