Question

The nurse is caring for a patient with acute pancreatitis. To provide adequate pain control, the nurse

a.should suggest that the patient receive epidural analgesia.
b.provides oral pain medication on an "as needed" (PRN) basis.
c.removes any nasogastric tubes.
d.administers pain medication on a routine schedule.

Answer 1

In the care of a patient with acute pancreatitis, the nurse should consider options such as epidural analgesia and routine pain medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the care of a patient with acute pancreatitis, the nurse should consider different options for pain control. One option is to suggest that the patient receive epidural analgesia (option a). This method involves administering pain medication directly into the epidural space, which provides effective pain relief. Another option is to administer pain medication on a routine schedule (option d) to ensure consistent pain management. This may involve using opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, or codeine.