A client is being admitted for the eighth exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis in 2 years. The client is frail and emaciated and becomes agitated when the nurse asks about pain medication. Which referral can the nurse make to best meet this client's needs and address potential complications of the condition? The nurse should request a referral to a
A) chaplain for spiritual distress related to the chronic nature of the disease.
B) chemical dependency counselor to assess and treat substance abuse.
C) medical nutritionist to assess and treat the client's malnutrition.
D) surgeon to assess whether or not this client can be treated surgically.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In developed countries, the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is chronic alcoholism. The major complication is addiction to narcotics. If the client continues to drink, the prognosis is poor. With the frequent exacerbations and agitation when asked about pain control, the nurse can suspect substance abuse in this client and a referral to a chemical dependency counselor would best address that problem.

A Client Is Being Admitted for the Eighth Exacerbation of Chronic