A nurse is providing instructions to a newly licensed nurse about NG intubation for a client who is postoperative following a colectomy. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

Choice A Reason

4g sodium diet. While reducing sodium intake is important for managing chronic kidney disease (CKD), a specific 4g sodium diet is not typically prescribed. Instead, patients are generally advised to limit sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day to help control blood pressure and reduce fluid retention.

Choice B Reason

Potassium-restricted diet. This is the correct intervention. Patients with CKD often have difficulty excreting potassium, leading to hyperkalemia, which can be dangerous. Therefore, a potassium-restricted diet is commonly recommended to maintain normal serum potassium levels.

Choice C Reason

High-phosphorus diet. This statement is incorrect. Patients with CKD are usually advised to limit phosphorus intake because their kidneys cannot effectively excrete phosphorus, leading to hyperphosphatemia. High phosphorus levels can cause bone and cardiovascular problems.

Choice D Reason

High-protein diet. This statement is incorrect. While protein is essential, excessive protein intake can increase the workload on the kidneys. Patients with CKD are often advised to follow a moderate protein diet to reduce the production of waste products that the kidneys need to filter.

Choice A Reason:

Initiating an insulin drip is not a standard intervention for all clients with acute pancreatitis. This intervention is typically reserved for clients who develop hyperglycemia or diabetes as a complication of pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis can affect the pancreas’ ability to produce insulin, but not all clients will require an insulin drip.

Choice B Reason:

Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial for clients with acute pancreatitis because the pancreas plays a key role in regulating blood sugar. Inflammation or damage to the pancreas can lead to fluctuations in blood glucose levels, making regular monitoring essential to manage potential hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.

Choice C Reason:

Continuing a regular diet as tolerated is not appropriate for clients with acute pancreatitis. These clients are typically kept NPO (nothing by mouth) to rest the pancreas and reduce the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, which can exacerbate inflammation and pain.

Choice D Reason:

Maintaining NPO status until the client is pain-free is a standard intervention for acute pancreatitis. This approach helps to rest the pancreas and prevent the release of digestive enzymes that can further inflame the pancreas. Once the client is pain-free and inflammation has subsided, a gradual reintroduction of oral intake can be considered.

Choice E Reason:

Managing acute pain is a critical aspect of care for clients with acute pancreatitis. Pain management can include medications such as opioids, as well as non-pharmacological interventions like positioning and relaxation techniques. Effective pain management improves the client’s comfort and can help reduce stress on the pancreas.