A patient has intra-arterial (art-line) blood pressure monitoring after a myocardial infarction (MI). Following the angioplasty procedure, the nurse notes that the patient's heart rate has increased from 88 to 110 beats/min, and the blood pressure dropped from 120/82 to 100/60 mm Hg. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Choice A reason: Fever is a common sign of acute pancreatitis and indicates an inflammatory response. Inflammation of the pancreas can trigger the release of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators, leading to an elevated body temperature. This is a common symptom observed in many cases of acute pancreatitis and suggests an ongoing inflammatory process.

Choice B reason: Gray-blue discoloration of the flank or umbilical area, also known as Grey Turner's sign and Cullen's sign respectively, indicates bleeding and severe inflammation within the pancreas. These signs are indicative of retroperitoneal hemorrhage or pancreatic necrosis, which are severe complications of acute pancreatitis. The presence of such discoloration is a significant finding that suggests a more serious form of the condition.

Choice C reason: Hypertension is not typically associated with acute pancreatitis. In fact, patients with acute pancreatitis are more likely to experience hypotension due to fluid shifts, inflammatory responses, and potential hemorrhage. Monitoring blood pressure is important in these patients to manage any potential complications.

Choice D reason: Decreased amylase level is not an expected finding in acute pancreatitis. Typically, acute pancreatitis is associated with elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes such as amylase and lipase due to inflammation and damage to the pancreatic cells, which release these enzymes into the bloodstream.

Choice E reason: Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in acute pancreatitis. The inflammation of the pancreas and the associated pain can stimulate the vomiting center in the brain and lead to nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are often severe and can significantly affect the patient's comfort and hydration status.

Choice F reason: Severe abdominal pain is one of the hallmark signs of acute pancreatitis. The pain is typically located in the upper abdomen and may radiate to the back. It is often described as constant and severe, and can be exacerbated by eating or lying flat. Effective pain management is a critical aspect of caring for patients with acute pancreatitis.

Choice A reason: The rehabilitative phase of burn care focuses on restoring function, improving cosmetic appearance, and achieving the best possible quality of life for the patient. This phase typically begins after the wound has healed and continues for months to years. The care priorities mentioned, such as wound care and nutritional support, indicate that the patient is still in a more active phase of treatment rather than the long-term rehabilitative phase.

Choice B reason: The acute phase of burn care starts after the initial resuscitation and continues until the wound is closed. During this phase, the primary focus is on wound care, nutritional support, and prevention of complications like infection. The goal is to promote healing, prevent infection, and address the patient's nutritional needs to support recovery. This phase aligns with the care priorities mentioned in the question.

Choice C reason: The emergent phase, also known as the resuscitative phase, begins at the time of injury and continues for the first 24-48 hours. The primary focus during this phase is on stabilizing the patient's condition, managing airway and breathing, fluid resuscitation, and addressing immediate life-threatening issues. The care priorities in the question indicate that the patient has moved beyond the initial resuscitative efforts.

Choice D reason: The immediate resuscitative phase overlaps with the emergent phase and focuses on providing immediate life-saving measures to stabilize the patient. This includes fluid resuscitation, airway management, and treating shock. The care priorities mentioned in the question suggest that the patient is beyond the initial resuscitative efforts and is in a more ongoing phase of treatment.