A client has been brought to the emergency department with abdominal pain and is subsequently diagnosed with appendicitis. The client is scheduled for an appendectomy but questions the nurse about how his health will be affected by the absence of an appendix. How should the nurse best respond?
The surgeon will encourage you to limit your fat intake for a few weeks after the surgery, but your body will then begin to compensate.
Your appendix doesn't play a major role so you won't notice any difference after your recovery from surgery.
Your body will absorb slightly fewer nutrients from the food you eat, but you won't be aware of this.
Your small intestine will adapt over time to the absence of your appendix.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This statement is not the best response for the nurse to give. The surgeon will not encourage the client to limit their fat intake after an appendectomy, as this has nothing to do with the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch attached to the beginning of the large intestine, not the small intestine where most of the fat digestion and absorption occurs.
Choice B reason: This statement is not the best response for the nurse to give. The appendix does play a role in the immune system and the gut microbiome, as it contains lymphoid tissue and beneficial bacteria. The client may notice some changes in their immunity or digestion after an appendectomy, especially if they have an infection or take antibiotics.
Choice C reason: This statement is not the best response for the nurse to give. The appendix does not affect the absorption of nutrients from the food the client eats, as it is not involved in the digestive process. The appendix is located at the end of the small intestine, where most of the nutrients have already been absorbed.
Choice D reason: This statement is the best response for the nurse to give. The appendix is not essential for survival, and the small intestine can adapt to its removal over time. The client may experience some temporary symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, or gas after an appendectomy, but these usually resolve within a few weeks. The nurse should reassure the client that they can live a normal and healthy life without an appendix.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Constipation is not a priority finding for a client with peptic ulcer disease. It may be a side effect of some medications or a result of decreased fluid intake, but it does not indicate a serious complication.
Choice B reason: Dyspepsia is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease, but it is not a priority finding. It refers to indigestion or discomfort in the upper abdomen, which may be relieved by antacids or other medications.
Choice C reason: Hematemesis is a priority finding for a client with peptic ulcer disease. It indicates bleeding from the ulcer, which can lead to shock and anemia. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, hemoglobin level, and blood loss, and notify the provider immediately.
Choice D reason: Epigastric discomfort is another common symptom of peptic ulcer disease, but it is not a priority finding. It refers to pain or burning in the upper abdomen, which may be worsened by food intake or stress. The nurse should provide comfort measures and educate the client on dietary and lifestyle modifications.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Drinking a minimum of 12 ounces of fluid with each meal is not recommended for a client who has dumping syndrome. Fluids can increase the gastric volume and accelerate the gastric emptying, leading to more severe symptoms. The nurse should advise the client to drink fluids between meals, not with meals.
Choice B reason: Choosing foods that are high in simple carbohydrates is not recommended for a client who has dumping syndrome. Simple carbohydrates can cause a rapid rise and fall of blood glucose levels, resulting in hypoglycemia and weakness. The nurse should advise the client to choose foods that are high in protein and fat, and low in sugar.
Choice C reason: Staying upright when eating and for 30 minutes afterward is not recommended for a client who has dumping syndrome. This position can facilitate the gastric emptying and worsen the symptoms. The nurse should advise the client to lie down after eating to slow down the gastric emptying.
Choice D reason: Eating several small meals daily spaced at equal intervals is recommended for a client who has dumping syndrome. This can help reduce the gastric volume and pressure, and prevent the rapid delivery of food into the small intestine. The nurse should advise the client to eat four to six small meals per day, and avoid skipping meals.
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