Question

The nurse is planning care for a 48-year-old woman with acute severe pancreatitis. The highest priority patient outcome is?

1) maintaining normal respiratory function
2) expressing satisfaction with pain control
3) developing no ongoing pancreatic disease
4) having adequate fluid and electrolyte balance

Answer 1

The highest priority patient outcome for a woman with acute severe pancreatitis is to maintain normal respiratory function, which is critical for adequate oxygenation to prevent further complications. The correct option is 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the medical management of a 48-year-old woman with acute severe pancreatitis, the highest priority patient outcome is maintaining normal respiratory function. Acute pancreatitis can lead to respiratory complications due to the proximity of the pancreas to the diaphragm, as well as due to potential systemic effects such as shock, which can further compromise respiratory function.

Maintaining a normal respiratory function ensures adequate oxygenation, which is critical in the acute phase of the illness to prevent hypoxemic damage and support organ systems that may already be under stress due to inflammation and other pathophysiological processes related to pancreatitis.

While controlling pain, preventing the development of ongoing pancreatic disease, and ensuring fluid and electrolyte balance are all important aspects of patient care, they come secondary to the immediate need to maintain respiratory stability. This reflects the principle that airway and breathing are always top priorities in acute medical care.