A client with acute pancreatitis reports severe epigastric pain radiating to the back. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?

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Multiple Choice

A client with acute pancreatitis reports severe epigastric pain radiating to the back. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?

Explanation:
Resting the pancreas is the priority in acute pancreatitis. Keeping the client NPO prevents ingestion that would stimulate pancreatic secretions and enzyme release, allowing the inflamed gland to calm and pain to ease. While IV fluids and analgesia are important, giving any oral intake would worsen stimulation, so maintaining NPO is the best initial intervention. The other options would either increase pancreatic stimulation (drinking fluids, high-fat meals) or are not the immediate focus during severe inflammation and pain.

Resting the pancreas is the priority in acute pancreatitis. Keeping the client NPO prevents ingestion that would stimulate pancreatic secretions and enzyme release, allowing the inflamed gland to calm and pain to ease. While IV fluids and analgesia are important, giving any oral intake would worsen stimulation, so maintaining NPO is the best initial intervention. The other options would either increase pancreatic stimulation (drinking fluids, high-fat meals) or are not the immediate focus during severe inflammation and pain.

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