A patient with acute pancreatitis has a nursing diagnosis of pain related to distention of the pancreas and peritoneal irritation. In addition to effective use of analgesics, what should the nurse include in this patient's plan of care?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, option C is the correct answer. Positioning the patient on the side with the head of the bed elevated 45 degrees is beneficial for pain relief in acute pancreatitis. This position helps to reduce pressure on the pancreas and decreases pain associated with peritoneal irritation by promoting drainage of pancreatic enzymes and fluids. Option A, providing diversional activities, may be helpful for pain management in some cases, but it does not directly address the physiological process of pancreatitis as option C does. Option B, providing small, frequent meals, is not appropriate in acute pancreatitis as the pancreas needs time to rest and heal, so fasting or NPO status is often indicated. Option D, ambulating the patient, may be beneficial in some cases to prevent complications, but it is not specifically targeted at pain relief in acute pancreatitis. Educationally, it is important to understand the rationale behind each intervention to provide optimal care for patients with acute pancreatitis. Proper positioning not only helps with pain relief but also supports the overall management of the condition. Understanding the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis and its impact on the patient's comfort and recovery is crucial for nurses to deliver effective care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assist the patient with ambulation. This intervention helps to promote peristalsis and gas passage through movement. Ambulation can also reduce bloating and discomfort associated with gas pain postoperatively. Choice B, applying a cold compress, may provide some comfort but does not address the underlying issue of promoting gas passage. Choices C and D, offering coffee/tea or chilled vegetable juice, are not evidence-based interventions for relieving gas pain postoperatively. Overall, assisting the patient with ambulation is the most effective intervention to address postoperative gas pain.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: cecum. The cecum is a pouch-like structure located at the beginning of the large intestine, where the appendix is attached. The appendix is a small, finger-like projection that extends from the cecum. The ascending colon (B) is located above the cecum, the transverse colon (C) runs horizontally across the abdomen, and the descending colon (D) is located on the left side of the abdomen. Therefore, the cecum is the only part of the large intestine that directly attaches to the appendix, making it the correct answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage frequent leg exercises to promote circulation. This intervention is appropriate for a patient with DVT as it helps prevent blood pooling and clot formation. Leg exercises facilitate blood flow and reduce the risk of further clot development. Option B is incorrect because prolonged bed rest can actually increase the risk of DVT by promoting stasis of blood flow. Option C is incorrect as anticoagulant medications are often necessary to prevent complications such as pulmonary embolism. Option D is incorrect as tight-fitting compression stockings should be worn during the day, not at night, to support venous return.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: all of the above. The small intestine is where the majority of nutrient absorption occurs. Water is absorbed through osmosis, proteins are broken down into amino acids and absorbed through active transport, and lipids are broken down into fatty acids and absorbed through simple diffusion. Therefore, all three substances (water, proteins, and lipids) are absorbed through the walls of the small intestine. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of these substances is indeed absorbed in the small intestine through different mechanisms.