A nurse is reviewing laboratory reports for a client who is taking NSAIDs for rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following results should the nurse recognize as a possible adverse effect of NSAID therapy?

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.

Choice A Reason

Determine the time the last dose of pain medication was administered. While it is important to know when the last dose of pain medication was given, assessing the client’s current pain level is a priority. This helps in understanding the severity and nature of the pain, which guides further interventions.

Choice B Reason

Reposition the client to assist with reduction of pain. Repositioning can help alleviate pain, but it should be done after assessing the pain. Without understanding the pain’s characteristics, repositioning might not address the underlying issue effectively.

Choice C Reason

Ask the client to describe the pain and rate it on a scale of 0 to 10. This is the correct first action. Pain assessment is crucial in determining the appropriate intervention. By asking the client to describe and rate their pain, the nurse can tailor the pain management plan to the client’s specific needs.

Choice D Reason

Check the client’s medical record for type of PRN pain medication. Reviewing the medical record for PRN pain medication is important, but it should follow the initial pain assessment. Knowing the pain’s intensity and characteristics will help in deciding whether PRN medication is needed.