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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Sliced ham with green salad is not a good choice for a client who has diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is a condition where small pouches in the colon become inflamed or infected. The client should avoid foods that are high in fat, such as ham, or that contain seeds, nuts, or skins, such as green salad, as they can irritate the colon and worsen the symptoms.

Choice B reason: Pork tenderloin with green peas is not a suitable choice for a client who has diverticulitis. Pork tenderloin is a high-fat food that can increase the inflammation and pain in the colon. Green peas are also a source of fiber that can be hard to digest and can cause gas and bloating.

Choice C reason: Turkey sandwich with celery sticks is not an appropriate choice for a client who has diverticulitis. Turkey sandwich may contain mayonnaise, cheese, or other ingredients that are high in fat and can aggravate the condition. Celery sticks are high in fiber and have strings that can get trapped in the pouches and cause infection.

Choice D reason: Grilled chicken breast with white bread is the best choice for a client who has diverticulitis. Grilled chicken breast is a lean protein that can help the client heal and prevent malnutrition. White bread is a low-fiber food that can be easily digested and does not irritate the colon.

A. Blanched abdomen B. Sudden decrease in abdominal pain C. Absent Rovsing's sign D. Fever

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is not a correct manifestation of appendiceal perforation. Blanched abdomen means that the skin of the abdomen is pale or white, which can indicate shock or blood loss. However, it is not a specific sign of appendiceal perforation, as it can occur in other conditions as well.

Choice B reason: This is a correct manifestation of appendiceal perforation. Sudden decrease in abdominal pain means that the pain that was previously felt in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen has subsided or disappeared. This can indicate that the appendix has ruptured and released the pus and bacteria into the peritoneal cavity, causing peritonitis. This is a serious complication that requires immediate surgical intervention.

Choice C reason: This is not a correct manifestation of appendiceal perforation. Absent Rovsing's sign means that there is no pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen when the left lower quadrant is palpated. This is a sign of appendicitis, not appendiceal perforation, as it indicates that the appendix is inflamed and irritated by the pressure.

Choice D reason: This is not a correct manifestation of appendiceal perforation. Fever means that the body temperature is above the normal range, which can indicate infection or inflammation. However, it is not a specific sign of appendiceal perforation, as it can occur in other conditions as well.

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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?

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Correct Answer is B

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