A client has begun medication therapy with pancrelipase (Pancrease MT). The nurse evaluates that the medication is having the optimal intended benefit if which effect is observed?

A client has begun medication therapy with pancrelipase (Pancrease MT). The nurse evaluates that the medication is having the optimal intended benefit if which effect is observed?

• A. Weight loss
• B. Relief of heartburn
• C. Reduction of steatorrhea
• D. Absence of abdominal pain

Answer: (C)

Pancrelipase provides the digestive enzymes the pancreas normally makes, helping to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in people with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Because fat digestion depends heavily on lipase, the most direct and meaningful sign that the therapy is working is a reduction in steatorrhea—stools that were previously bulky, pale, foul-smelling, and difficult to flush become more normal as fat absorption improves. While weight gain can occur as absorption improves, the clearest indicator of effective enzyme replacement is decreased fatty stools. Relief of heartburn or absent abdominal pain does not reflect the primary action of this medication.

Pancrelipase provides the digestive enzymes the pancreas normally makes, helping to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in people with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Because fat digestion depends heavily on lipase, the most direct and meaningful sign that the therapy is working is a reduction in steatorrhea—stools that were previously bulky, pale, foul-smelling, and difficult to flush become more normal as fat absorption improves. While weight gain can occur as absorption improves, the clearest indicator of effective enzyme replacement is decreased fatty stools. Relief of heartburn or absent abdominal pain does not reflect the primary action of this medication.