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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because weighing 28% above ideal body weight is a sign of obesity. Ideal body weight is an estimate of the weight that corresponds to the lowest mortality for a given height and gender. Obesity is defined as having a body weight that is 20% or more above ideal body weight.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer because having a waist circumference of 81.3 cm (32 in) is not a manifestation of obesity. Waist circumference is a measure of abdominal fat, which is associated with increased health risks. However, the cut-off point for waist circumference varies by gender and ethnicity. For women, a waist circumference of more than 88 cm (35 in) is considered high.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer because having a BMI of 28 is not a manifestation of obesity. BMI is a measure of body mass index, which is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. BMI is used to classify weight status and health risks. For adults, a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal, 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight, and 30 or more is considered obese.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because having a body fat of 22% is not a manifestation of obesity. Body fat is a measure of the percentage of fat in the body, which is determined by various methods such as skinfold thickness, bioelectrical impedance, or underwater weighing. Body fat is influenced by age, gender, and physical activity. For women, a body fat of 21 to 33% is considered normal, 33 to 39% is considered high, and more than 39% is considered very high.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is a correct answer because normal saline is an isotonic solution, which means it has the same osmolarity as the blood plasma. It does not cause any fluid shifts between the intracellular and extracellular compartments, and it can help restore the fluid balance and the blood pressure of the dehydrated client.
Choice B reason: This is not a correct answer because 1/2 normal saline is a hypotonic solution, which means it has a lower osmolarity than the blood plasma. It causes fluid to shift from the extracellular to the intracellular compartment, which can lead to cellular swelling and edema. It is not suitable for rapid infusion, as it can cause hemolysis and hypotension.
Choice C reason: This is not a correct answer because D5W (5% Dextrose in Water) is an isotonic solution when it is in the IV bag, but it becomes hypotonic once it enters the body, as the dextrose is rapidly metabolized and only water remains. It causes fluid to shift from the extracellular to the intracellular compartment, which can lead to cellular swelling and edema. It is not suitable for rapid infusion, as it can cause hemolysis and hypotension.
Choice D reason: This is not a correct answer because D5 1/2 normal saline is a hypertonic solution, which means it has a higher osmolarity than the blood plasma. It causes fluid to shift from the intracellular to the extracellular compartment, which can lead to cellular shrinkage and dehydration. It is not suitable for rapid infusion, as it can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.

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