A client with acute pancreatitis reports severe abdominal pain. Which intervention would the nurse anticipate as the *priority* for pain management?

✓ Correct Answer: Option D

Acute pancreatitis pain is typically severe and requires potent intravenous (IV) analgesia for effective management. IV hydromorphone provides rapid relief. Oral medications are inappropriate for severe acute pain and NPO is for pancreatic rest, not direct pain relief.