A 9-year-old admitted to the unit with severe abdominal pain and fever is diagnosed with appendicitis and is placed on the surgery schedule for an appendectomy. The child reports to the nurse of experiencing sudden relief in abdominal pain. Which action should the nurse take first?
Document the client's relief of pain.
Inquire about the client's last meal.
Give prescribed intravenous antibiotics.
Contact the healthcare provider.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Documenting the client's relief of pain is important for the medical record but is not the first priority in this situation. The immediate concern is to determine the cause of the sudden pain relief and ensure the child's well-being.
B. Inquiring about the client's last meal is important for pre-operative considerations, but it is not the first action to take when sudden relief of abdominal pain is reported.
C. Giving prescribed intravenous antibiotics may be part of the treatment plan, but it should not be the first action when the child experiences sudden relief of abdominal pain. Contacting the healthcare provider to assess the situation is more urgent.
D Contact the healthcare provider.
In the case of a child diagnosed with appendicitis, sudden relief in abdominal pain can be concerning. This might indicate that the appendix has ruptured, leading to the spread of infection into the abdominal cavity, which can be a critical situation. It's essential for the healthcare provider to be informed immediately so they can assess the child's condition, order any necessary interventions, and potentially expedite the surgical procedure if required.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
When advising a new mother in caring for a child with croup, the symptom that should be a priority concern to the telephone triage nurse is B.
Explanation:
A. A fever of 101.0°F (38.3°C) is a common symptom in many childhood illnesses, including croup, but it is not the primary concern when difficulty swallowing secretions is present.
B Difficulty swallowing secretions.
Croup is characterized by a barking cough and may also be associated with stridor (noisy breathing), hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing secretions. While all the symptoms mentioned can be concerning, difficulty swallowing secretions is a priority concern because it can potentially lead to respiratory distress if not managed appropriately. Thick secretions can cause airway obstruction, and prompt assessment and intervention are needed to ensure the child's airway remains clear and that the child is able to breathe effectively.
C. A barking cough, worse at night, is a classic symptom of croup and should be addressed, but difficulty swallowing secretions can have a more direct impact on the child's airway.
D. Crying often when nursing may be related to the discomfort caused by croup, but it is not as immediately concerning as difficulty swallowing secretions.
While the barking cough, hoarseness, and other croup symptoms should also be addressed, the priority is ensuring that the child is able to manage secretions effectively without respiratory distress. The telephone triage nurse should provide guidance to the mother on how to help the child manage these secretions and when to seek medical attention if the situation worsens.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
While it is essential to prioritize the client's confidentiality and autonomy, it is also important to provide the client with information and education about the available options. In this case:
A. Telling the client how to receive free oral contraceptives from the clinic without addressing the client's need for information and counseling is not an adequate response. It's essential to ensure the client is well-informed about her choices.
B. Encouraging the client to discuss her need for contraceptives with her parents is a valid suggestion, but it may not always be practical or possible for every individual, and the client has already expressed her desire for confidentiality. The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and right to make her own healthcare decisions.
C. Explaining that parental approval is needed to receive contraceptives may discourage the client from seeking essential contraceptive services and may not align with the laws and regulations in many places that allow minors to access contraceptives confidentially.
D. Counseling the client about the risks and benefits of using oral contraceptives is an important step. This allows the client to make an informed decision about her sexual health and contraceptive options. The nurse should also discuss safer sex practices, regular healthcare check-ups, and the importance of open communication with healthcare providers.
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