A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. After treating the client's pain, which of the following should the nurse address as the priority intervention?
Provide oral hygiene.
Assist the client to a side-lying position.
Auscultate the client's lungs.
Withhold oral fluids and food.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Provide oral hygiene.
Providing oral hygiene is important for the client's comfort and overall well-being. However, in the context of acute pancreatitis, the immediate priority is to address the gastrointestinal symptoms and prevent further pancreatic stimulation.
B. Assist the client to a side-lying position.
Assisting the client to a side-lying position can be beneficial for comfort and may help prevent complications such as aspiration. However, it is not the immediate priority after treating the pain. Withholding oral fluids and food takes precedence in the initial management of acute pancreatitis.
C. Auscultate the client's lungs.
Auscultating the client's lungs is a routine nursing assessment and is important for respiratory monitoring. However, in the context of acute pancreatitis, the primary focus is on addressing gastrointestinal symptoms, and respiratory assessment becomes more critical if respiratory distress is suspected.
D. Withhold oral fluids and food.
Withholding oral fluids and food is the priority intervention after treating the pain in acute pancreatitis. This is done to reduce pancreatic stimulation, allowing the pancreas to rest and recover. NPO (nothing by mouth) status is often initiated in the early management of acute pancreatitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Instruct the client that they can lift over 20 lbs:
Lifting heavy objects should be avoided postoperatively to prevent strain on the surgical site. The specific weight restriction may vary, but lifting heavy objects is generally discouraged.
B. Offer the client ice cream postoperatively:
While offering ice cream may be a comforting measure, it is not a specific action related to the recovery from a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
C. Encourage ambulation once fully awake:
This is the correct action. Encouraging ambulation helps prevent complications such as blood clots and promotes recovery after laparoscopic surgery. Early mobility is generally encouraged unless contraindicated for specific reasons.
D. Place the client in a supine position postoperatively:
The position of the client postoperatively depends on the specific surgical procedure and the surgeon's preferences. However, placing the client in a supine position alone is not a comprehensive postoperative care action.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Positioning the client on the right side is not a standard recommendation for gastric lavage. The standard position is typically on the left side to facilitate the drainage of gastric contents.
B. Instilling 1000 mL of sterile saline is not a recommended action for gastric lavage. Gastric lavage involves the removal of stomach contents rather than instilling fluids.
C. Withdrawing fluid until it is clear is the correct action. Gastric lavage is a medical procedure used to empty the stomach contents. The process involves introducing small amounts of fluid (such as saline) into the stomach and then aspirating it back, along with gastric contents, until the aspirate is clear.
D. Connecting the NG tube to high continuous suction is not a standard approach for gastric lavage. Gastric lavage involves intermittent instillation and withdrawal of small amounts of fluid to clear the stomach.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today