A nurse assesses a client admitted to the emergency department with acute pancreatitis. Which treatment should the nurse prioritize?

Nutritional support

Education

Pain control

Fluid resuscitation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Rationale:

A. Nutritional support is important in acute pancreatitis, particularly if oral intake is delayed due to NPO status. However, it is not the immediate priority in the initial management of acute pancreatitis.

B. Patient education is essential for long-term management, dietary changes, and prevention of complications, but it is not the priority during the acute phase when the patient is unstable or in severe pain.

C. Pain management is important and should be addressed promptly, but it is secondary to stabilizing vital functions. Severe pain is common in acute pancreatitis, but untreated hypovolemia and shock pose a greater immediate risk to life.

D. Acute pancreatitis often causes third-spacing of fluids, hypovolemia, and risk of shock due to systemic inflammatory response and fluid shifts into the retroperitoneal space. Aggressive intravenous fluid replacement is the priority treatment to maintain perfusion, prevent organ failure, and stabilize the client before other interventions such as pain management or nutrition.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Applying ice packs can help reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling. However, ice does not address the immediate risk of vascular compromise caused by constrictive rings. Ice packs are considered a secondary intervention after the rings have been removed.

B. Calamine lotion provides symptomatic relief of itching, but it does not prevent circulatory compromise or tissue damage. This is a low-priority comfort measure in the acute setting.

C. This is the highest-priority action. Bee stings often cause rapid localized swelling, and rings can act as constrictive bands, which may impair venous and arterial blood flow, leading to ischemia, pain, or tissue necrosis. Removing rings immediately prevents these serious complications and protects tissue viability.

D. Oral diphenhydramine can help reduce itching and mild allergic reactions, but its onset is delayed and it does not address immediate circulation concerns caused by swelling. It is a supportive intervention after urgent priorities are addressed.

A. Drink plenty of fluids. Brandy can be used to keep your body warm. B. Wear sunglasses to protect skin and eyes from harmful rays. C. Remove your hat when exercising to prevent the loss of heat. D. Wear an inner layer of windproof breathable fabric

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Staying hydrated is indeed important in cold environments because dehydration can impair thermoregulation and increase susceptibility to hypothermia. However, alcohol consumption, including brandy, is dangerous in the cold. Alcohol causes peripheral vasodilation, which increases heat loss from the body’s core to the environment. This gives a false sensation of warmth while actually accelerating body heat loss, increasing the risk of hypothermia and cold-related injuries.

B. Sunglasses do protect against ultraviolet (UV) radiation and snow blindness, which are real concerns in snowy or high-altitude environments. However, wearing sunglasses does not prevent cold-related injuries such as frostbite or hypothermia, so it is not the most relevant preventive measure for cold exposure.

C. The head is a major site of heat loss, especially in cold environments. Wearing a hat or other head covering is essential to retain core body temperature. Removing the hat increases heat loss, accelerates cooling, and raises the risk for hypothermia, even during exercise.

D. Proper layering of clothing is a primary strategy for preventing cold-related injuries. The inner layer should be windproof and breathable to protect against wind chill, which can rapidly lower skin and core temperatures, while allowing sweat and moisture to escape. Moisture that is trapped next to the skin can accelerate heat loss and increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. This layering approach helps maintain a stable microclimate close to the body, balancing warmth and moisture control, which is essential in cold weather survival.

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A nurse assesses a client admitted to the emergency department with acute pancreatitis. Which treatment should the nurse prioritize?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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