When caring for a client with acute pancreatitis, what intervention is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer pain medication as needed. In acute pancreatitis, pain management is crucial to provide comfort and improve outcomes. Pain medication helps alleviate the severe abdominal pain associated with pancreatitis. It is essential to treat pain promptly to prevent complications and improve the client's quality of life. Encouraging a high-protein diet (A) is not recommended as it may exacerbate pancreatitis symptoms. Providing small, frequent meals (C) may help reduce the workload on the pancreas, but pain management takes precedence. Increasing oral fluid intake (D) is important for hydration but does not address the primary concern of pain relief in acute pancreatitis.