A patient with acute pancreatitis asks for something to eat. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

Question

1. "Your physician will likely allow you to eat when the vomiting has subsided."
2. "You will be able to have a liquid diet within a week."
3. "Once your pain is in control and if your bowels are functioning normally, you will likely be able to begin a soft diet."
4. "During this time, you will have to get your nutrition from tube feedings."

Answer 1

3
Rationale 1: Vomiting is a concern but not the greatest determinant of when eating will be allowed.
Rationale 2: Unless the patient's GI symptoms prevent him from eating, oral feedings should be considered within 24–72 hours.
Rationale 3: Dietary intake is typically resumed once the abdominal pain is in control, use of opiates is no longer needed, there is no anorexia, and bowel sounds have returned. New data suggests that initiating feeding with a low-fat soft diet is safe and can reduce hospitalizations as compared to a clear liquid diet
Rationale 4: Tube feeding is used for moderate to severe pancreatitis and if the patient cannot tolerate oral nutrition.