Final answer:
In acute pancreatitis, the nurse would question an order for PO pain management. NPO status, nasogastric suction, and monitoring serum amylase levels are standard, whereas oral pain medications may stimulate the pancreas, which should be avoided.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse caring for a teenager with acute pancreatitis would question an order for PO pain management. During acute pancreatitis, it is essential to rest the pancreas and reduce stimulation caused by oral intake, which is why being NPO (nil per os, or nothing by mouth) is a standard part of the treatment protocol.
A nasogastric tube placed to suction may also be ordered to help decrease pancreatic stimulation by removing gastric and duodenal contents. Monitoring the patient's condition with serum amylase levels is essential for evaluating the severity and progression of pancreatitis.
However, administering pain medication orally could stimulate the pancreas and exacerbate the condition, which is counterproductive to the objective of resting the pancreas. Alternative routes of administrating pain relief, such as intravenous or epidural, are usually preferred in the management of pain in acute pancreatitis.