Final answer:
The first action a nurse should take when admitting a client with acute pancreatitis is to identify the client's current level of pain. Following that, instructing the client to remain NPO and considering other interventions like nasogastric tube insertion or administering medications such as ceftazidime may be necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
First Actions for Acute Pancreatitis
When admitting a client with acute pancreatitis, the nurse should prioritize assessment and management of pain and take measures to prevent further damage to the pancreas. One of the first actions should include evaluating the client's current level of pain, as pancreatitis can cause severe abdominal pain. This assessment helps to inform immediate and effective pain management interventions. Following pain assessment, additional measures, such as instructing the client to remain NPO (nothing by mouth), should be considered. The rationale behind keeping the client NPO is to rest the pancreas and limit pancreatic enzyme stimulation which could exacerbate the inflammation. Inserting a nasogastric tube and administering medications like ceftazidime may also be necessary, but these steps typically come after the initial assessment.