History of smoking and alcohol abuse.

Full Answer Section

      Diagnosis

• Obstructive jaundice due to pancreatic cancer

Plan of Care

• Admit the patient to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
• Start the patient on IV fluids and electrolytes.
• Administer pain medication for the abdominal pain.
• Obtain an ultrasound of the abdomen to confirm the diagnosis of obstructive jaundice.
• Refer the patient to a surgeon for further management.

Treatment

• The treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on the stage of the cancer.
• If the cancer is localized, the patient may be treated with surgery to remove the tumor.
• If the cancer has spread, the patient may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Nursing Interventions

• Monitor the patient's vital signs and fluid status.
• Administer medications as prescribed.
• Provide pain relief.
• Educate the patient about the disease and treatment plan.
• Provide emotional support to the patient and family.

Prognosis The prognosis for pancreatic cancer is poor. The five-year survival rate for localized pancreatic cancer is about 20%. The five-year survival rate for advanced pancreatic cancer is less than 5%. Concept Map The following concept map summarizes the plan of care for the patient: The concept map shows that the patient is diagnosed with obstructive jaundice due to pancreatic cancer. The treatment for this condition depends on the stage of the cancer. If the cancer is localized, the patient may be treated with surgery to remove the tumor. If the cancer has spread, the patient may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The nursing interventions for this patient include monitoring the patient's vital signs and fluid status, administering medications as prescribed, providing pain relief, educating the patient about the disease and treatment plan, and providing emotional support to the patient and family.  

Sample Answer

     

Assessment

• The patient is a 52-year-old male with a history of smoking and alcohol abuse.
• He presents to the ED with complaints of jaundice, abdominal pain, and nausea.
• Physical examination reveals jaundiced skin and sclera, and a tender abdomen.
• CT scan shows a tumor near the pancreas that is blocking the common bile duct.