Digestive Enzymes

Question 1

Digestive Enzymes Drug Names

Answer 1

Saliva substitute

Pancrelipase

Question 2

Digestive Enzymes Therapeutic Actions

Answer 2

• Saliva substitutes
- contains electrolytes and carboxymethylcellulose to act as a thickening agent in dry mouth conditions
• Pancreatic enzymes
- replacement enzymes that help the digestion and absorption of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates

Question 3

Digestive Enzymes Indications

Answer 3

• Replacement therapy

Question 4

Digestive Enzymes Contraindications and Cautions

Answer 4

Contraindications:
• Saliva – Allergy
• Pancreatic enzymes – Allergy

Caution:
• Saliva – CHF, hypertension, or renal failure
• Pancreatic enzyme – Pregnancy and lactation

Question 5

Digestive Enzymes Adverse Effects

Answer 5

• Saliva – Complications from abnormal electrolytes – increased levels of magnesium, sodium, or potassium
• Pancreatic enzyme – GI irritation, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea

Question 6

Digestive Enzymes:

Assessment

Answer 6

Assess:
Hx: Allergy, lactation and pregnancy, heart failure or hypertension
Physical: vital signs, abdominal, mucosal membrane assessment (baseline)
Labs: monitor results

Question 7

Digestive Enzymes:

Diagnosis

Answer 7

Dx:

• Diarrhea
• Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
• Deficient knowledge regarding drug therapy

Question 8

Digestive Enzymes:

Implementation

Answer 8

Implementation:
• 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 9

Digestive Enzymes:

Evaluation

Answer 9

Eval:
Response to the drug 
Adverse effects
 Effectiveness of comfort measures
Compliance with regimen
Effectiveness of teaching plan

Question 10

Digestive Enzymes