A nurse in the intensive care unit is caring for a 54-year-o…
A nurse in the intensive care unit is caring for a 54-year-old client admitted with acute pancreatitis secondary to chronic alcohol use. The client reports severe epigastric pain radiating to the back and is restless. Assessment findings include: HR 124/min, BP 88/54 mm Hg, RR 22/min, temperature 101.8°F (38.8°C), oxygen saturation 93% on 2 L nasal cannula, serum calcium 7.2 mg/dL, serum amylase 980 units/L, serum lipase 1,200 units/L, and blood glucose 248 mg/dL. The abdomen is distended with hypoactive bowel sounds. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first ?