A nurse is caring for a client who has acute gastritis and is NPO. The client has a new prescription to resume oral intake. Which of the following items should the nurse offer the client?

Choice A Reason:

Notifying the provider if you experience a stinging sensation following administration is not necessary. A mild stinging sensation is a common side effect of timolol eye drops and usually subsides quickly. However, if the stinging persists or is severe, it should be reported.

Choice B Reason:

Watching for a decreased heart rate while using this medication is important. Timolol is a beta-blocker, and one of its systemic side effects can be bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate). Patients should be aware of this potential side effect and monitor their heart rate regularly.

Choice C Reason:

Developing a harmless darkening of the iris is not associated with timolol. This side effect is more commonly linked to prostaglandin analogs, another class of medications used to treat glaucoma.

Choice D Reason:

Timolol does not cause the lashes of the affected eye to lengthen. This side effect is also associated with prostaglandin analogs, not beta-blockers like timolol.

Choice A Reason

Initiate insulin drip. This intervention is not typically included in the standard care plan for all patients with acute pancreatitis. Insulin drips are generally reserved for cases of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis, where insulin helps to lower triglyceride levels. For most patients with acute pancreatitis, this is not a standard intervention.

Choice B Reason

Monitor blood glucose levels. This is a correct intervention. Acute pancreatitis can affect the pancreas’ ability to regulate blood sugar, leading to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Monitoring blood glucose levels helps in managing these potential complications and ensuring appropriate treatment.

Choice C Reason

Continue regular diet as tolerated. This statement is incorrect. Patients with acute pancreatitis are usually kept NPO (nothing by mouth) initially to rest the pancreas. Once the inflammation subsides, they may gradually reintroduce oral intake starting with clear liquids and progressing to a low-fat diet.

Choice D Reason

Maintain NPO status until pain-free. This is partially correct but not entirely accurate. While initial management often includes NPO status to rest the pancreas, current guidelines suggest that early enteral feeding can be beneficial and should be started as soon as tolerated. Prolonged NPO status is no longer the standard of care.

Choice E Reason

Manage acute pain. This is a correct intervention. Pain management is a critical component of care for patients with acute pancreatitis. Effective pain control improves patient comfort and can help reduce the stress response associated with severe pain.