Question

The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis and alcoholism. The client asks, "How does my drinking relate to my diagnosis?" Which effect of alcohol would the nurse include when responding?

A. It promotes the formation of calculi in the cystic duct.
B. It stimulates the pancreas to secrete more insulin than it can immediately produce.
C. It alters the composition of enzymes so they are capable of damaging the pancreas.
D. It increases enzyme secretion and pancreatic duct pressure that causes backflow of enzymes into the pancreas.

Answer 1

Alcohol consumption increases the secretion of pancreatic enzymes and elevates duct pressure, causing enzymes to flow back into the pancreas, leading to inflammation known as acute pancreatitis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The effect of alcohol on the pancreas related to acute pancreatitis can be best described by option D. Alcohol consumption increases the secretion of pancreatic enzymes and causes an increase in pancreatic duct pressure. This increased pressure leads to a backflow of enzymes into the pancreas itself, which can cause inflammation and damage to the pancreatic tissues. This relates the individual's condition of acute pancreatitis to their alcohol consumption as the inflammation is a consequence of the digestive enzymes acting on the pancreas instead of in the intestines.