A 65-year-old woman with no history of pulmonary or cardiovascular issues presents to the emergency department with nausea, fatigue, and fullness and pain of the abdomen. The nurse knows the assessment tests that will be ordered first will include:

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.

Choice A reason:
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding high-fat foods is appropriate advice. Statins are more effective when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle. This helps in managing cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.

Choice B reason:
The statement that muscle pain is not concerning with statin use is inappropriate. Muscle pain can be a significant side effect of statins, known as myopathy, and in rare cases, it can lead to a more severe condition called rhabdomyolysis. Patients experiencing muscle pain should report it to their healthcare provider for evaluation and management.

Choice C reason:
Statins do reduce the risk of coronary events in people with diabetes and slightly elevated LDL levels. This is well-documented and an appropriate part of patient education, as statins are beneficial in preventing cardiovascular events in at-risk populations.

Choice D reason:
Statin use can cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, including nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. This information should be part of patient education so that patients are aware of potential side effects and can manage them appropriately.