Which option is NOT part of standard nursing care for acute pancreatitis?

• A. NPO
• B. IV fluids
• C. NG tube for suction
• D. Regular meals

Answer: (D)

Acute pancreatitis is managed by resting the pancreas and preventing further enzyme stimulation. Keeping the patient NPO reduces pancreatic secretions and digestion workload, while IV fluids support circulating volume and perfusion given the risk of dehydration from vomiting and third-spacing. An NG tube for suction is used when vomiting or gastric distension occurs to decompress the stomach and further minimize stimulation of pancreatic secretion. Regular meals, on the other hand, would stimulate the pancreas and worsen inflammation, so they are not part of the initial standard nursing care. Feeding is withheld initially and advanced gradually only after pain improves and the patient tolerates intake; in mild cases, some protocols may allow early clear liquids, but ongoing regular meals during the acute phase are avoided.