Physicians orders for a client with acute pancreatitis include the following: strict NPO and nasogastric tube to low intermittent suction. The nurse recognizes that withholding oral intake will:

Reduce the secretion of pancreatic enzymesDecrease the clients need for insulinPrevent the secretion of gastric acidEliminate the need for pain medication

Explanation.

Withholding oral intake will help stop the inflammatory process by reducing the secretion of pancreatic enzymes. Answer B is incorrect because the client requires exogenous insulin. Answer C is incorrect because it does not prevent the secretion of gastric acid. Answer D is incorrect because it does not eliminate the need for pain medication.