ATI Med Surg: Pancreatitis Exam

ATI Med Surg: Pancreatitis Exam 1. A client has been admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis and the nurse is assessing the client's pain. What type of pain is consistent with this diagnosis? a. Burning and aching, located in the left lower quadrant and radiating to the hip b. Severe and unrelenting, located in the epigastric area and radiating to the back c. Burning and aching, located in the epigastric are and radiating to the umbilicus d. Severe and unrelenting, located in the left lower quadrant and radiating to the groin - Ans: b The pain associated with acute pancreatitis is often severe and unrelenting, is located in the epigastric region, and radiates to the back. The other options are incorrect. 2. The nurse is reviewing the prescription for a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Which interventions would the nurse expect to be prescribed for the client? Select all that apply. a. Administer antacids as prescribed b. Encourage coughing and deep breathing c. Administer anticholinergics as prescribed d. Give small, frequent high-calorie feedings e. Maintain the client in a supine and flat position f. Give meperidine (Demerol) as prescribed for pain. - Ans: a, b, c, f The client with acute pancreatitis normally is placed on NPO status to rest the pancreas and suppress gastrointestinal secretions. Because abdominal pain is a prominent symptom pancreatitis, pain medication such as meperidine is prescribed. Some clients experience lessened pain by assuming positions that flex the trunk, with the knees drawn up to the chest. A side-lying position with the head elevated 45 degrees decreases tension on the abdomen and may help ease the pain. The client is susceptible to respiratory infections because the retroperitoneal fluid raises the diaphragm, which causes the client to take shallow, guarded abdominal breaths. Therefore measures such as turning, coughing, and deep breathing are instituted. Antacids and anticholinergics may be prescribed to suppress gastrointestinal secretions.