ILOILO DOCTORS’ COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF NURSING
West Avenue, Molo, Iloilo City
NURSING CARE PLAN – Acute Pancreatitis
DEFINING NURSING OUTCOME
CHARACTERISTICS DIAGNOSIS IDENTIFICATION
Subjective: Long Term:
Acute pain related to Within 6 hr of
Objective: inflammatory process of intervention, the patient’s
the pancreas. subjective perception of
Rationale: discomfort decreases, and
it is controlled within 24
hr, as documented by pain
scale. Nonverbal
indicators, such as
grimacing and splinting of
abdominal muscles, are
absent or diminished.
Short Term:
Kiara Denise Tamayo BSN IV – A
NURSING
INTERVENTIONS
Independent:
Assess for and document
the degree and character of
the patient’s
discomfort. Devise a pain
scale with the patient,
rating discomfort on
a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10
(worst pain).
Ensure that the patient
maintains limited activity
or bedrest.
Maintain nothing by mouth
(NPO) status.
Assist the patient in
attaining a position of
comfort.
Dependent:
Administer analgesics,
steroids, histamine H2-
receptor blockers,
antiemetics, and other
medications as prescribed.
Be alert to the
patient’s response to
medications, using the pain
scale.
RATIONALE EVALUATION
Pain characteristics may
signal varying problems
(see Assessment
section). Baseline and
subsequent use of a pain
scale helps
determine effectiveness of
pain relief
Rest helps minimize
pancreatic secretions and
pain.
NPO status is initiated
early in the course of
illness to decrease the
stimulus for pancreatic
secretions and reduce
stress in the GI tract.
A sitting or supine position
with the knees flexed often
helps relax
abdominal muscles.
Analgesics reduce
discomfort associated with
pancreatitis. Steroids may
be given to reduce
inflammation in certain
types of pancreatitis
when infection is not a
problem.
 ILOILO DOCTORS’ COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF NURSING
West Avenue, Molo, Iloilo City

NURSING CARE PLAN – Acute Pancreatitis

Histamine H2-receptor
blockers are given to
reduce gastric acid
secretion, which stimulates
pancreatic enzymes.
Antiemetics (e.g.,
hydroxyzine, ondansetron,
prochlorperazine,
promethazine) are given
for nausea and vomiting.
Antacids are given to
neutralize gastric acid
and reduce associated pain.

Kiara Denise Tamayo BSN IV – A