NCLEX Gastrointestinal Disorders Related

Review NCLEX Gastrointestinal Disorders related questions and content

The client recovering from acute pancreatitis who has been NPO asks the nurse, “When can I start eating again?” Which response by the nurse is most accurate?

  • A. “As soon as you start to feel hungry you can begin eating.”
  • B. “When I hear that your bowel sounds are active and you are passing flatus.”
  • C. “When your pain is controlled and your serum lipase level has decreased.”
  • D. “You will be NPO for at least more 2 weeks; oral intake stimulates the pancreas.”
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A. Regaining appetite is a positive sign, but it must be accompanied by a decrease in pain before the client is allowed to take food orally. B. Intestinal peristalsis may be slowed due to inflammation associated with acute pancreatitis, but the return of bowel sounds and flatus is not used to determine when to begin oral intake. C. This response is correct. Once pain is controlled and the serum enzyme levels begin to decrease, the client can begin oral intake. These are signs that the pancreas is healing. D. There is no specific time limit for being NPO.