A 7-year-old patient has been admitted to the hospital with a ruptured appendix. Which action should the nurse take while awaiting surgery?
Give the patient a laxative.
Obtain an order for ibuprofen for the patient.
Remove all beverages from the patient's bedside.
Provide a heating pad for the patient.
The Correct Answer is C
Remove all beverages from the patient's bedside.
Choice A rationale:
Giving the patient a laxative is inappropriate and unnecessary in the context of a ruptured appendix. The focus should be on preparing the patient for surgery and managing the acute condition.
Choice B rationale:
Administering ibuprofen should be avoided as it can mask symptoms and potentially worsen the patient's condition by masking signs of inflammation or infection. This delay in appropriate care could lead to complications.
Choice C rationale:
Removing all beverages from the patient's bedside is essential. NPO (nothing by mouth) status is typically maintained for patients with suspected appendicitis or other surgical conditions to prevent potential aspiration in case surgery is required.
Choice D rationale:
Providing a heating pad is contraindicated in cases of suspected appendicitis or any acute abdominal condition. Heat can worsen inflammation and potentially cause the appendix to rupture, leading to more severe complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Stomatitis, inflammation of the oral mucosa, can make eating painful, leading to inadequate nutritional intake. The discomfort caused by stomatitis can discourage the patient from eating, potentially resulting in malnutrition. Ensuring adequate nutritional intake is crucial to support the patient's immune system and healing during antineoplastic therapy.
Choice B rationale:
Dental caries are not directly related to stomatitis. Stomatitis is inflammation of the oral mucosa, whereas dental caries involve decay of tooth structure due to bacterial action on food debris and sugars.
Choice C rationale:
Diarrhea is unrelated to stomatitis. Diarrhea involves frequent, loose, or watery stools, often caused by gastrointestinal infections, certain medications, or dietary intolerances.
Choice D rationale:
Gingival hyperplasia is an overgrowth of gum tissue and is not a likely result of stomatitis. It can be associated with some medications like anticonvulsants.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
An hour before meals and at bedtime.
Choice A rationale:
Scheduling chest physiotherapy an hour before meals and at bedtime is optimal. This timing helps prevent aspiration during meals and aids in clearing secretions before sleep. It complements the patient's meal schedule and sleep routine.
Choice B rationale:
Every six hours around the clock could disrupt the patient's sleep and meal times. Chest physiotherapy might not align well with the patient's daily activities, potentially affecting treatment compliance and effectiveness.
Choice C rationale:
Performing chest physiotherapy upon awakening and after meals might increase the risk of aspiration during meals. Clearing airways before meals is safer, and performing it right after meals could cause discomfort.
Choice D rationale:
Evenly spaced physiotherapy when awake lacks synchronization with meal and sleep times. This approach might not optimize treatment effects and patient convenience.
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