Problem
Case Study
Mrs. Miller is an 88-year-old Caucasian female who presents with complaints of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain rating 9/10 on a numeric scale. She has a past medical history which includes congestive heart failure (CHF), hypothyroidism, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hypertension.
Her vital signs on admission are: temperature 99.6°F (37.6°C), blood pressure 113/82, pulse 84, and respiratory rate 20. Her laboratory tests reveal a WBC count of 13,000/mm3, potassium (K+) 3.2 mEq/L, lipase 449 units/L, amylase 306 units/L, total bilirubin 3.4 mg/dL, direct bilirubin 2.2 mg/dL, aspirate aminotransferase (AST) 142 U/L, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 390 U/L.
Physical examination reveals a distended abdomen that is very tender on palpation. Bowel sounds are present in all four quadrants, however hypoactive. Mrs. Miller is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. She will be kept nothing by mouth (NPO). Intravenous (IV) fluid of D5 ½ NS with 40meq of potassium chloride (KCL) per liter at 100ml/hr is prescribed. The patient is also ordered her preadmission medications which include pantoprazole sodium and levothyroxine sodium (in IV form as patient is NPO). A nasogastric tube is inserted and attached to low wall suction.
Mrs. Miller's NG tube is draining yellow green drainage. Her pain is being managed effectively with IV morphine 4mg every 4 hours.
Mrs. Miller is anxious and has many questions for the nurse: "What is pancreatitis? What is the test I am having done today? Will I need to have surgery? Why did they put this tube in my nose? When will I be able to eat real food?"
• Discuss treatment options for pancreatitis and explain why Mrs. Miller has an NG tube to low wall suction.
• Discuss the complications that can arise if pancreatitis is not treated.
The response must include a reference list. Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.
Reference
Galletta, M., Portoghese, I., Aviles Gonzales, C. I., Melis, P., Marcias, G., Campagna, M., Minerba, L., & Sardu, C. (2017). Lack of respect, role uncertainty and satisfaction with clinical practice among nursing students: the moderating role of supportive staff. Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis, 88(3S), 43-50.