Question Answered step-by-step You are assigned to care for a 35-year-old writer who has been… You are assigned to care for a 35-year-old writer who has been admitted with severe upper abdominal pain radiating to his back and recurrent vomiting. This is his second admission for pancreatitis. He admits to drinking 1 pint of whiskey daily on the weekends and having several drinks nightly on weekdays. His alcohol intake has been greater in the past. Laboratory data include an amylase level of 750 units/L (normal, 25 to 125 units); lipase is 5.6 units/ml (normal, 10 to 140 units); aspartate aminotransferase (AST), 150 units/L (normal, 5 to 40 units); and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), 60 units (normal, 1 to 45 units). How do you feel about caring for this client? Factors to Consider. Are you comfortable with the client’s lifestyle? Do the biochemical studies support a diagnosis of pancreatitis? What do you need to consider if he complains of pain? What should you do if you discover he is allergic to meperidine? Should a nasogastric tube be inserted? Health Science Science Nursing GI/GU – NUR 1220 Share QuestionEmailCopy link Comments (0)