A nurse is planning care for a client who has acute pancreatitis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the client’s plan? (Select all that apply.)
Initiate insulin drip.
Monitor blood glucose levels.
Continue regular diet as tolerated.
Maintain NPO status until pain-free.
Manage acute pain.
Correct Answer : B,E
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Place several pillows behind the client’s head. This intervention is incorrect. Placing several pillows behind the client’s head can lead to neck flexion, which can increase intracranial pressure by obstructing venous outflow from the brain.
Choice B Reason
Place the client in a lateral semi-prone recumbent position. This position is not ideal for managing increased intracranial pressure. The optimal position is to keep the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees with the neck in a neutral position to promote venous drainage and reduce ICP.
Choice C Reason
Keep the client’s neck in a midline position. This is the correct intervention. Keeping the neck in a midline position helps to ensure proper venous drainage from the brain, thereby reducing intracranial pressure. It is a standard practice in managing patients with elevated ICP.
Choice D Reason
Maintain flexion of the client’s hips at a 90-degree angle. This intervention is incorrect. Flexion of the hips can increase intra-abdominal pressure, which in turn can increase intracranial pressure. It is important to avoid hip flexion in patients with elevated ICP.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
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