Page 1507 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

Cullen’s sign is the discoloration of the

abdomen and periumbilical area. Turner’s sign is the
bluish discoloration of the flanks. Both signs are
indicative of pancreatitis.
2. Interventions

a. Withhold food and fluid during

the acute period and maintain
hydration with IV fluids as prescribed.
b. Administer parenteral nutrition for
severe nutritional depletion.
c. Administer supplemental preparations
and vitamins and minerals to increase
caloric intake if prescribed.
d. An NG tube may be inserted if the
client is vomiting or has biliary
obstruction or paralytic ileus.
e. Administer opiates as prescribed for
pain.
f. Administer H -receptor antagonists or
2
proton pump inhibitors as prescribed
to decrease hydrochloric acid
production and prevent activation of
pancreatic enzymes.

g. Instruct the client in the

importance of avoiding alcohol.
h. Instruct the client in the importance of
follow-up visits with the PHCP.
i. Instruct the client to notify the

PHCP if acute abdominal pain,
jaundice, clay-colored stools, or dark-
colored urine develops.
C. Chronic pancreatitis

1. Assessment

a. Abdominal pain and tenderness
b. Left upper quadrant mass
c. Steatorrhea and foul-smelling stools
that may increase in volume as
pancreatic insufficiency increases
d. Weight loss
e. Muscle wasting
f. Jaundice
g. Signs and symptoms of diabetes

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