Question 1 of 6
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Which dietary modification is recommended for a patient who has acute pancreatitis?
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- Reduce protein intake.There is no need to reduce protein intake.
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- Avoid consuming alcohol.Consuming a low-fat diet is essential with pancreatitis because fats stimulate the secretion of cholecystokinin, which then stimulates the pancreas. Alcohol is an irritant and must be avoided.
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- Avoid taking too much fluid.Fluid intake should be increased to prevent dehydration.
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- Reduce carbohydrates in diet.Carbohydrate intake is more of a concern for patients who have diabetes.
Question 2 of 6
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Which rationale supports nothing by mouth (NPO) for a patient with acute pancreatitis?
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- Risk for fluid volume excessDehydration (not risk for fluid volume excess) is a concern.
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- Prevention of stimulation of the pancreasEating stimulates the pancreas and aggravates the pain and inflammation. Pain control is the primary nursing concern with pancreatitis, so patients would be kept NPO until the pain is managed.
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- Prevention of vomiting and aspirationA patient with pancreatitis may often experience nausea and vomiting, but standard nursing measures to prevent aspiration would apply.
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- Preparation for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)Although ERCP is a definitive diagnostic test for evaluation of pancreatitis, it would not be performed in the acute phase of pancreatitis because of the high risk for hemorrhage.
Question 3 of 6
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Which process can lead to abdominal distention and rigidity?
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- HepatitisHepatitis may present with abdominal pain, fever, fatigue, and dark urine; however, it does not generally cause a rigid abdomen.
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- Retroperitoneal bleedingIf retroperitoneal bleeding is present, there may be bruising in the flanks or a bluish discoloration around the umbilicus.
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- PeritonitisPeritonitis can lead to abdominal distention and rigidity.
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- PseudocystA pseudocyst can be palpated as an epigastric mass in about 50% of cases and may cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal tenderness.
Question 4 of 6
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The nurse is caring for a patient with pancreatitis who is on total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which lab result would be most concerning?
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- Glucose = 184TPN can lead to hyperglycemia and the need for insulin, so this lab result would be very concerning.
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- Potassium = 4.1This potassium level is in the normal range and would not be concerning.
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- Sodium = 133This level is a little low, which is expected with pancreatitis. It would not be the most concerning result. Fluids may need to be adjusted.
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- Urine specific gravity = 1.040This result could indicate dehydration and fluids may need to be adjusted.
Question 5 of 6
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The nurse understands that which factor is the biggest risk for the development of pancreatic cancer?
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- PancreatitisChronic pancreatitis is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, but not as big of a risk as smoking.
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- CirrhosisCirrhosis is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, but not as big of a risk as smoking.
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- DiabetesDiabetes is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, but not as big of a risk as smoking.
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- SmokingCigarette smoking is a major risk factor for pancreatic cancer, with 2 to 3 out of every 10 cases linked to tobacco use.
Question 6 of 6
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Which nursing interventions would be priority when caring for a patient with pancreatic cancer who develops shortness of breath and restlessness?
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- Apply sequential compression devices (SCDs).SCDs would be important if the nurse suspected deep-vein thrombosis.
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- Increase oxygen.If the patient became hypoxic, oxygen would be an important intervention; however, in this scenario it would not be the priority intervention.
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- Call the health care provider.These symptoms could indicate a pulmonary embolus and should be reported to the health care provider immediately.
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- Raise the head of the bed.This could help with breathing and oxygen saturation; however, it would not be the priority intervention.
