ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam 2019 Quizlet Related

Review ATI Medical Surgical Proctored Exam 2019 Quizlet related questions and content

The client has acute pancreatitis. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority?

  • A. Administer pain medication as prescribed.
  • B. Monitor the client's serum amylase and lipase levels.
  • C. Encourage oral intake of clear liquids.
  • D. Assess the client's bowel sounds every 4 hours.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer pain medication as prescribed. This is the highest priority because acute pancreatitis is a painful condition, and managing pain is crucial for the client's comfort and well-being. Pain control also helps reduce stress on the pancreas and can aid in preventing complications.

Choice B is incorrect because while monitoring serum amylase and lipase levels is important in diagnosing pancreatitis and assessing response to treatment, it is not the highest priority intervention.

Choice C is incorrect as encouraging oral intake of clear liquids may exacerbate pancreatitis symptoms and lead to further complications.

Choice D is incorrect as assessing bowel sounds, while important for monitoring gastrointestinal function, is not the highest priority in the acute management of pancreatitis.