Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions Related

Review Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions related questions and content

The client diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis is concerned about pain control. The nurse explains that the initial plan for chronic pancreatic pain control involves the administration of which of the following?

  • A. Opioid analgesics, such as morphine sulfate
  • B. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • C. Pancreatic enzymes with H2 blocker medications
  • D. Injection of medication directly into the nerves
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A. Opioid analgesics may be prescribed if pancreatic enzymes do not relieve pain. B. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, may be used to treat chronic pancreatic pain, but they are not the initial treatment and are usually not sufficient to control the pain. C. The initial pain control measures include exogenous pancreatic enzymes because pancreatic stimulation by food is thought to cause pain. Pancreatic enzymes are coupled with H2 blockers, which block the action of histamine on parietal cells in the stomach. H2 blockers are used because gastric acid destroys the lipase needed to break down fats. D. A nerve block relieves pain in about 50 percent of people who undergo the procedure, but this is not the initial measure for pain control.