Which nursing interventions are appropriate for a patient with acute pancreatitis?

• A. NPO, IV fluids, IV opioids, gastric suction
• B. NPO, IV opioids, IV fluids, NG tube for suction
• C. Clear liquid diet, oral hydration, ambulation
• D. High-fat diet and early solid food introduction

Answer: (B)

Managing acute pancreatitis focuses on resting the pancreas, maintaining hydration, controlling pain, and decompressing the GI tract when needed. Keeping the patient NPO removes pancreatic stimulation from food and drink, while IV fluids address dehydration and support organ perfusion that can be compromised by third-spacing. Pain control with IV opioids is important so the patient can rest and reduce stress responses that worsen inflammation. A nasogastric tube for suction is used to decompress the stomach when vomiting or gastric distention occurs, helping to minimize further pancreatic stimulation and reduce the risk of aspiration.

Other options are less appropriate because they either skip GI decompression or promote eating too soon. Initiating a clear liquid diet or advancing oral intake early can stimulate pancreatic secretions and exacerbate inflammation, and a high-fat diet with early solid foods would worsen the condition.