A patient who is scheduled for a barium swallow asks a nurse why a laxative is necessary after the procedure. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A rationale
Monitoring peripheral pulses every 8 hours is not a specific intervention for a client who has acute pancreatitis. While it is important to monitor peripheral pulses as part of overall patient assessment, it does not directly address the needs of a patient with acute pancreatitis.
Choice B rationale
Ambulating the client three times daily is not a specific intervention for a client who has acute pancreatitis. While physical activity is generally beneficial for overall health, it does not directly address the needs of a patient with acute pancreatitis, especially during an acute attack.
Choice C rationale
Maintaining NPO (nothing by mouth) status is a common intervention for a client who has acute pancreatitis. This allows the pancreas to rest and recover, reducing inflammation and pain.
Choice D rationale
Measuring urine output every 4 hours is not a specific intervention for a client who has acute pancreatitis. While it is important to monitor urine output as part of overall patient assessment, it does not directly address the needs of a patient with acute pancreatitis.

Choice A rationale
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme that is found in various tissues, including the liver. Elevated levels of AST can indicate liver damage or disease.
Choice B rationale
Albumin is a protein that is made by the liver. It helps keep fluid in the bloodstream so it doesn’t leak into other tissues. Low levels of albumin can indicate liver disease.
Choice C rationale
Lipase is an enzyme that is produced by the pancreas and used in the digestion of fats. It is not a marker of liver function.
Choice D rationale

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found mostly in the cells of the liver and kidney. Much like AST, high levels of ALT can indicate liver damage or disease.