Question

A client, diagnosed with acute pancreatitis 5 days ago, is experiencing respiratory distress. which finding should the nurse report to the health care provider (hcp)?

Answer 1

The nurse should report the arterial oxygen level if it is below 50. Respiratory distress may be secondary to the initial diagnosis of acute pancreatitis and could indicate Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome. The symptoms of ARDS may be confusion, agitation, hypoxemia, respiratory distress, crackling heard in the lungs, fever, tachypnea, dyspnea, and/or a dry cough.