Question

The nurse is caring for a 36-year-old patient with pancreatic cancer. Which nursing action is the highest priority?

a. Offer psychologic support for depression.
b. Offer high-calorie, high-protein dietary choices.
c. Administer prescribed opioids to relieve pain as needed.
d. Teach about the need to avoid scratching any pruritic areas.

Answer 1

The highest priority nursing action for a 36-year-old patient with pancreatic cancer is to administer prescribed opioids to relieve pain as needed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The highest priority nursing action for a 36-year-old patient with pancreatic cancer is to c. Administer prescribed opioids to relieve pain as needed.

Pancreatic cancer is known for causing severe pain due to tumor growth and invasion of surrounding tissues. Providing adequate pain relief is crucial to improve the patient's quality of life and overall well-being.

While offering psychologic support for depression (a) and providing high-calorie, high-protein dietary choices (b) are important aspects of the patient's care, managing pain should be prioritized to ensure the patient's comfort and manage any potential complications.