A patient, diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, is demonstrating signs of respiratory distress. The nurse realizes that this new onset of symptoms is due to
1. increased intravenous fluid infusion
2. decreased level of consciousness
3. increased intracranial pressure
4. pancreatic enzymes hindering a component of pulmonary surfactant
4
Rationale: Respiratory insufficiency and failure are common complications of acute pancreatitis and are attributed to the release of pancreatic enzyme phospholipase A, which destroys the phospholipid component of surfactant. Respiratory distress may or may not be caused by an increase in intravenous fluids. A decreased level of consciousness may change the respiratory pattern of a patient however in the patient with acute pancreatitis, respiratory changes are due to the release of the pancreatic enzymes that destroy components of surfactant. Increased intracranial pressure may or may not cause a change in respiratory function.
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