A nurse is admitting a client who has acute pancreatitis. Which of the following provider prescriptions should the nurse anticipate?

A. Pancrelipase 500 units/kg PO three times daily with meals: Pancrelipase is an enzyme replacement therapy used to aid in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in clients with pancreatic insufficiency. However, in acute pancreatitis, the pancreas is inflamed and typically unable to produce sufficient enzymes. Therefore, enzyme replacement therapy is not typically initiated during the acute phase of pancreatitis.
B. Pantoprazole 80 mg IV bolus twice daily: This is the correct answer. Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces gastric acid secretion. It is commonly prescribed in acute pancreatitis to decrease gastric acid production and reduce pancreatic enzyme activity, thereby promoting pancreatic rest and reducing further pancreatic inflammation and injury.
C. Initiate a low-residue diet: In acute pancreatitis, clients are typically kept NPO (nothing by mouth) initially to allow the pancreas to rest and inflammation to decrease. Once oral intake is resumed, a low-fat, easily digestible diet is usually recommended. However, the initiation of a low-residue diet is not typically indicated during the acute phase of pancreatitis.
D. Ambulate twice daily: While early ambulation is generally encouraged in hospitalized clients to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia, ambulation may be limited initially in clients with acute pancreatitis due to pain and discomfort. Ambulation is not typically a priority during the acute phase of pancreatitis; instead, pain management and supportive care are emphasized.

A. Provide reassurance to the client and parents: While reassurance is important, it is not the priority action when caring for an adolescent client with a newly applied fiberglass cast for a fractured tibia. Ensuring adequate neurovascular status is critical to prevent complications associated with impaired circulation or nerve function.
B. Perform a neurovascular assessment: This is the correct action and the priority when caring for a client with a newly applied cast. The nurse should assess the client's neurovascular status by evaluating circulation, sensation, and movement distal to the casted limb. Changes in color, temperature, sensation, or movement could indicate impaired circulation or nerve function, which require immediate intervention to prevent complications such as compartment syndrome.
C. Apply an ice pack to the casted leg: While applying ice may help reduce swelling and discomfort, it is not the priority action when caring for a client with a newly applied cast. Additionally, applying ice directly to the cast may not effectively reach the skin and underlying tissues, potentially causing discomfort without providing significant benefit.
D. Explain the discharge instructions to the client and parents: Providing discharge instructions is important for client education, but it is not the priority action immediately after applying a cast. Ensuring the client's safety and well-being by performing a neurovascular assessment takes precedence to identify and address any potential complications associated with the cast.