A client is being treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. What would the nurse recognize as a contraindication to this therapy?

Question

1. Allergy to pork
2. Cystic fibrosis
3. Steatorrhea (bulky, foul-smelling, fatty stools)
4. Chronic pancreatitis

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: An allergy to pork is a contraindication for treatment with pancrelipase, as the origin of the enzyme is pork.
Rationale 2: Cystic fibrosis is an indication for the use of pancreatic enzyme replacement.
Rationale 3: Steatorrhea is an indication for the use of pancreatic enzyme replacement. Steatorrhea often occurs in chronic pancreatitis.
Rationale 4: Chronic pancreatitis is an indication for the use of pancreatic enzyme replacement.
Global Rationale: Pancreatic enzyme replacements are sourced from pork, so allergy is a concern. Cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis are conditions for which pancreatic enzyme replacement may be given. Steatorrhea is an indication for their use.