Pierre who is diagnosed with acute pancreatitis is under the care of Nurse Bryan. Which intervention should the nurse include in the care plan for the client?
**Core Concept**
The underlying principle in managing acute pancreatitis is to reduce pancreatic enzyme secretion and prevent complications such as necrosis and infection. This involves managing pain, maintaining adequate fluid resuscitation, and avoiding interventions that may exacerbate pancreatic inflammation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is to **administer intravenous fluids**. This is because fluid resuscitation is crucial in preventing hypovolemia and maintaining pancreatic blood flow. Adequate fluid administration helps to reduce pancreatic enzyme secretion and prevent necrosis. Fluids also help to maintain renal function and prevent hypotension.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Administering opioids for pain management is also important, but it is not the primary intervention in the care plan for acute pancreatitis.
**Option B:** Gastric suction is not a recommended intervention for acute pancreatitis, as it can lead to hypovolemia and worsen pancreatic inflammation.
**Option C:** Nasogastric tube insertion may be necessary for bowel rest and decompression, but it is not the most critical intervention in the acute management of pancreatitis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to differentiate between gallstone pancreatitis and idiopathic pancreatitis, as the management strategies differ significantly. Gallstone pancreatitis requires urgent surgical intervention to remove the gallstone, while idiopathic pancreatitis is managed conservatively.
**Correct Answer:** C.