Question

Your patient is a 52-year-old male with a history of smoking and alcohol abuse. He presents to the ED with complaints of "my skin looks yellow, my stomach hurts, and I feel nauseous". He is taken to CT and a tumor near the pancreas is observed. It appears to be blocking the common bile duct. Develop a plan of care for the patient.

Answer 1

# Nursing care plan of the patient with pancreatic cancer are :-

1. Assess and monitor vitals :-

Temperature - is a sign of infection

Hypotension and tachycardia- is a sign of hypovolemia and lead to shock.

2. Assess and manage pain :-

Administration of medication as ordered

positioning the patient in semi -fowlers position as it helps to relieve pain

Monitoring lab values - amylase and lipase , WBC for monitoring infection , hematocrit and glucose to monitor hyperglycemia due to lack of insulin secretion .

3. To administer medicines as ordered

4. Nutritiona monitoring and health education :-

Maintain nil per orally during acute phase of illness

Provide clear liquid diet for few days once inflammation reduces.

Provide parental nutrition in severe cases.

5. Assess fluid and electrolyte balance :-

Monitoring skin turgor ,mucous membranes , input and output for retention or excess output of fluids.

Provide IV hydration to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance unless contraindicated.

6. Encourage lifestyle changes :-

counsel patient for healthy lifestyle like cessation of smoking , drinking alcohol ,eating low fat diets , doing exercises regularly and to drink fluids as pancreatitis cause dehydration .