The nurse should anticipate which of these dietary measures for a patient admitted with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis?
Maintain NPO status.
Soft, bland diet.
Regular diet.
Low-fat, high-fiber diet.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Maintaining NPO (nothing by mouth) status is essential for patients with acute pancreatitis. This allows the pancreas to rest and decreases the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. NPO status is typically maintained until the patient's symptoms improve and the inflammation subsides.
Choice B reason: A soft, bland diet is not appropriate for the initial management of acute pancreatitis. Introducing food too early can stimulate pancreatic enzyme production and worsen inflammation. Once the patient stabilizes, dietary recommendations may include a gradual reintroduction of low-fat, bland foods.
Choice C reason: A regular diet is not suitable for patients with acute pancreatitis. Consuming a regular diet can exacerbate symptoms and inflammation by stimulating pancreatic enzyme secretion. Patients need to follow a more controlled dietary plan to manage their condition effectively.
Choice D reason: A low-fat, high-fiber diet is beneficial for general health but not for the initial management of acute pancreatitis. Once the patient's condition stabilizes and they are no longer NPO, a low-fat diet may be introduced gradually to avoid stimulating pancreatic enzyme production.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Monitoring amylase and lipase levels is the best way to determine the effectiveness of treatment in a patient with pancreatitis. These enzymes are produced by the pancreas, and their levels in the blood increase significantly during an episode of pancreatitis. As treatment progresses and the inflammation of the pancreas decreases, the levels of these enzymes should return to normal. Therefore, checking the levels of amylase and lipase is a direct indicator of the patient's response to treatment.
Choice B reason: Hematocrit and hemoglobin levels are important for assessing overall blood volume and oxygen-carrying capacity, but they are not specific indicators of pancreatitis treatment effectiveness. While these levels can provide information about the patient's general health and hydration status, they do not specifically reflect changes in pancreatic inflammation.
Choice C reason: Red blood cell count is another measure of the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity and overall health, but like hematocrit and hemoglobin, it is not specific to pancreatitis. Changes in red blood cell count can occur due to various factors, but they do not provide direct information about the effectiveness of pancreatitis treatment.
Choice D reason: Serum uric acid levels are typically monitored in conditions such as gout or kidney stones, and they are not related to pancreatitis. Monitoring serum uric acid would not provide useful information about the patient's response to pancreatitis treatment.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Placing the client in a side-lying position is beneficial for comfort and can help alleviate pain in clients with acute pancreatitis. This position can reduce pressure on the pancreas and improve circulation, helping to manage pain and discomfort effectively.
Choice B reason: Administering hydromorphone for pain as prescribed is essential in managing acute abdominal pain associated with acute pancreatitis. Pain control is a priority in the care of these clients because unmanaged pain can lead to increased stress and further complications. Hydromorphone, a potent opioid analgesic, helps to effectively manage severe pain.
Choice C reason: Obtaining daily weights is important for monitoring a client's nutritional status and fluid balance, but it is not directly related to the immediate management of acute abdominal pain in acute pancreatitis. While it is a relevant intervention, it is not as critical as the other measures listed.
Choice D reason: Maintaining a high-calorie, high-protein diet is not appropriate for a client with acute pancreatitis. In fact, clients with acute pancreatitis are often placed on a nil-per-os (NPO) status initially to rest the pancreas and reduce enzyme secretion. Once the inflammation subsides, a low-fat, bland diet may be introduced gradually.
Choice E reason: Monitoring the client's respiratory status is crucial because clients with acute pancreatitis are at risk for respiratory complications, such as pleural effusion, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or atelectasis. Close monitoring ensures early detection and intervention for any respiratory issues that may arise.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.