A client admitted with acute diverticulitis has experienced a sudden increase in temperature and reports a sudden onset of extreme abdominal tenderness. The nurse's rapid assessment reveals that the client's abdomen is uncharacteristically rigid on palpation. What is the nurse's best response?
Call the primary provider and report that the client may be obstructed.
Position the client supine and insert an NG tube.
Administer a fleet enema as prescribed and remain with the client.
Contact the primary provider promptly and report these signs of perforation.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is not the best response because it does not accurately describe the client's condition. Obstruction is a possible complication of diverticulitis, but it is not indicated by fever and abdominal rigidity. Obstruction is more likely to cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal distension.
Choice B reason: This is not the best response because it can worsen the client's condition. Positioning the client supine and inserting an NG tube are interventions for gastric outlet obstruction, not diverticulitis. An NG tube can increase the risk of infection and perforation in the inflamed colon. Supine position can also increase the pressure on the abdomen and cause more pain and discomfort.
Choice C reason: This is not the best response because it can be harmful to the client. Administering a fleet enema is contraindicated for diverticulitis, as it can cause more inflammation, bleeding, or perforation in the colon. A fleet enema is a type of laxative that contains sodium phosphate and is used to relieve constipation or prepare for colonoscopy.
Choice D reason: This is the best response because it is the most appropriate and urgent action for the client. Contacting the primary provider promptly and reporting these signs of perforation is essential for the client's safety and treatment. Perforation is a life-threatening complication of diverticulitis, where the colon wall ruptures and causes peritonitis, which is inflammation of the abdominal cavity. Perforation can cause symptoms such as fever, abdominal rigidity, tenderness, and rebound pain. Perforation requires immediate surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the best response because it does not accurately describe the client's condition. Obstruction is a possible complication of diverticulitis, but it is not indicated by fever and abdominal rigidity. Obstruction is more likely to cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal distension.
Choice B reason: This is not the best response because it can worsen the client's condition. Positioning the client supine and inserting an NG tube are interventions for gastric outlet obstruction, not diverticulitis. An NG tube can increase the risk of infection and perforation in the inflamed colon. Supine position can also increase the pressure on the abdomen and cause more pain and discomfort.
Choice C reason: This is not the best response because it can be harmful to the client. Administering a fleet enema is contraindicated for diverticulitis, as it can cause more inflammation, bleeding, or perforation in the colon. A fleet enema is a type of laxative that contains sodium phosphate and is used to relieve constipation or prepare for colonoscopy.
Choice D reason: This is the best response because it is the most appropriate and urgent action for the client. Contacting the primary provider promptly and reporting these signs of perforation is essential for the client's safety and treatment. Perforation is a life-threatening complication of diverticulitis, where the colon wall ruptures and causes peritonitis, which is inflammation of the abdominal cavity. Perforation can cause symptoms such as fever, abdominal rigidity, tenderness, and rebound pain. Perforation requires immediate surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not a correct result that the nurse should anticipate. RBC stands for red blood cells, which carry oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. The normal range for RBC is 4-5.5 /mm^3^, so a value of 4.2 /mm^3^ is within the normal range and does not indicate any abnormality.
Choice B reason: This is a correct result that the nurse should anticipate. WBC stands for white blood cells, which fight infections and inflammation in the body. The normal range for WBC is 5-10 /mm^3^, so a value of 17 /mm^3^ is above the normal range and indicates leukocytosis, which is an increase in the number of white blood cells. Leukocytosis can be caused by acute appendicitis, as the body tries to fight the infection and inflammation in the appendix.
Choice C reason: This is not a correct result that the nurse should anticipate. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that are the first to respond to bacterial infections. The normal range for neutrophils is 3-5.8 /mm^3^, so a value of 3.2 /mm^3^ is within the normal range and does not indicate any abnormality.
Choice D reason: This is not a correct result that the nurse should anticipate. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that are involved in the immune response and the production of antibodies. The normal range for lymphocytes is 1-4 /mm^3^, so a value of 3 /mm^3^ is within the normal range and does not indicate any abnormality.
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