Digestive Enzymes

Question 1

Digestive Enzymes

Answer 1

Saliva substitute

Pancrelipase

Question 2

Digestive Enzymes

Answer 2

Substances produced in the GI tract to break down foods into usable nutrients

Question 3

Digestive Enzymes

                 Actions

Answer 3

Saliva substitute – Contains electrolytes and carboxymethylcellulose to act as a thickening agent in dry mouth conditions

Pancreatic enzymes are replacement enzymes that help the digestion and absorption of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates

Question 4

Digestive Enzymes

                          Indications

Answer 4

Replacement therapy

Question 5

Digestive Enzymes

                    Contraindications

Answer 5

Saliva – Allergy

Pancreatic enzymes - Allergy

Question 6

Digestive Enzymes

                         Caution

Answer 6

Saliva – CHF, hypertension, or renal failure

Pancreatic enzyme – Pregnancy and lactation

Question 7

Digestive Enzymes

                          Adverse Effects

Answer 7

Saliva – Complications from abnormal electrolytes – increased levels of magnesium, sodium, or potassium

Pancreatic enzyme – GI irritation, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea

Question 8

Digestive Enzymes

                             Assessment

Answer 8

History
Allergy
Pregnancy and lactation
Heart failure or hypertension

Physical
Abdominal assessment
Mucosal membrane assessment
Lab values

Question 9

Digestive Enzymes

                            Nursing Diagnoses

Answer 9

Diarrhea

Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements

Deficient knowledge regarding drug therapy

Question 10

Digestive Enzymes

                                  Implementation

Answer 10

Swish saliva substitute around the mouth as needed

Monitor swallowing

Administer pancreatic enzymes with meals and snacks

Avoid spilling powder on the skin

Do not crush the capsule or chew it

Assess nutritional status

Obtain laboratory specimens as indicated

Provide thorough patient teaching

Question 11

Digestive Enzymes

                       Evaluation

Answer 11

Patient response
Effectiveness of teaching plan
Effectiveness of comfort measures
Compliance