Question

A 52-year-old man is suffering from a deficiency of exocrine pancreatic secretions and is prescribed pancrelipase (Pancrease MT). Before the medication therapy begins, the nurse will assess for allergies related to

a) pollen.
b) ragweed.
c) shellfish.
d) pork.

Answer 1

The nurse should assess for allergies to pork before starting pancrelipase therapy as the enzymes are commonly derived from porcine sources.

Step-by-step explanation:

A 52-year-old man with a deficiency in exocrine pancreatic secretions is prescribed pancrelipase (Pancrease MT). Pancrelipase is a combination of digestive enzymes including pancreatic lipase, amylase, and protease, which are produced by the pancreas to assist in the digestion of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, respectively. These enzymes are crucial in the digestive process, as they help to break down food in the small intestine.

Before starting pancrelipase therapy, it is important for healthcare providers to assess for allergies. In this case, the nurse will assess for allergies to pork, since pancrelipase can be derived from porcine sources. Allergies to other substances like pollen, ragweed, or shellfish, while important to document for overall patient care, are less relevant to pancrelipase therapy unless specifically indicated by the medicine's components or the patient's medical history.