A patient has been diagnosed with a tumor on the head of the pancreas. In preparing the patient's care plan, the nurse is aware that this type of cancer may require:

Question

A) Immediate surgery within the next 12 hours
B) Placement of an indwelling catheter to monitor the copious amount of dilute urine in a 24-hour period
C) Placement of a biliary-enteric shunt
D) A diet low in protein along with pancreatic enzymes

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback: Before surgery can be performed, extensive preparation is often necessary due to the patient's compromised nutritional and physical status. A diet high in protein along with pancreatic enzymes is often prescribed. An obstruction in the flow of bile produces jaundice and dark urine. Thus, an indwelling catheter is now required and will increase the patient's risk for infection. A biliary-enteric shunt may be required to relieve the jaundice.