A client is hospitalized with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) exacerbation and is being treated with a corticosteroid. The client develops a rigid abdomen with rebound tenderness. Which action should the nurse take?
Measure capillary glucose level.
Encourage ambulation in the room.
Monitor for bloody diarrheal stools.
Obtain vital sign measurements.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Measuring capillary glucose level is not a priority action for a client with a rigid abdomen and rebound tenderness. These signs indicate peritonitis, which is a serious complication of IBD that requires immediate attention. Corticosteroids can increase blood glucose levels, but this is not an urgent concern in this situation.
Choice B reason: Encouraging ambulation in the room is not appropriate for a client with a rigid abdomen and rebound tenderness. These signs indicate peritonitis, which is a serious complication of IBD that requires immediate attention. Ambulation can worsen the pain and inflammation, and increase the risk of bowel perforation.
Choice C reason: Monitoring for bloody diarrheal stools is important for a client with IBD, but not a priority action for a client with a rigid abdomen and rebound tenderness. These signs indicate peritonitis, which is a serious complication of IBD that requires immediate attention. Bloody stools can be a sign of ulceration or bleeding in the bowel, but they are not specific to peritonitis.
Choice D reason: Obtaining vital sign measurements is the priority action for a client with a rigid abdomen and rebound tenderness. These signs indicate peritonitis, which is a serious complication of IBD that requires immediate attention. Vital signs can reveal signs of infection, inflammation, shock, and organ failure, which can guide the appropriate interventions and treatments.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Jogging or running are not excellent aerobic exercises for an older adult client with osteoarthritis. These activities can put a lot of stress and impact on the joints, especially the knees, hips, and ankles, which can worsen the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis. The nurse should advise the client to avoid high-impact exercises that can damage the cartilage and bones.
Choice B reason: Tennis or racquetball are not ideal exercises for an older adult client with osteoarthritis. These activities involve sudden movements, twists, and turns that can strain the joints, especially the elbows, wrists, and shoulders, which can aggravate the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The nurse should advise the client to avoid exercises that can cause joint instability and injury.
Choice C reason: Limiting the exercise to just the daily activities is not a good advice for an older adult client with osteoarthritis. Exercise is important for maintaining joint health, mobility, and function, as well as preventing muscle loss, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. The nurse should encourage the client to engage in regular moderate exercise that can improve the quality of life and reduce the complications of osteoarthritis.
Choice D reason: Swimming is an excellent exercise for an older adult client with osteoarthritis. Swimming is a low-impact aerobic exercise that can strengthen the muscles, improve the cardiovascular fitness, and enhance the flexibility of the joints without putting too much pressure or stress on them. Swimming can also reduce the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis by providing a soothing and relaxing effect on the body. The nurse should recommend swimming as a safe and effective exercise for the client.
Correct Answer is ["F","H"]
Explanation
a) Basic metabolic panel: This is a blood test that measures the levels of electrolytes, glucose, calcium, and kidney function. It is not a priority order for this client because her glucose level is within the normal range and her symptoms are not indicative of electrolyte imbalance or kidney failure.
b) Echocardiogram: This is a test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart and its valves, chambers, and blood flow. It is not a priority order for this client because her chest discomfort may not be related to a cardiac problem and her SpO2 is normal, indicating adequate oxygenation.
c) CT scan of abdomen: This is a test that uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the organs and structures in the abdomen. It is not a priority order for this client because her abdominal pain is not severe or acute and her nausea and poor appetite may be due to her illness or dialysis.
d) Blood cultures times 2 sets: This is a test that checks for the presence of bacteria or fungi in the blood. It is not a priority order for this client because she does not have signs of infection such as fever, chills, or leukocytosis.
e) Chest X-ray: This is a test that uses X-rays to create images of the lungs and chest wall. It is not a priority order for this client because she does not have respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, or wheezes.
f) Place on continuous cardiac monitor: This is an order that requires the nurse to attach electrodes to the client's chest and monitor the heart rate and rhythm continuously. This is a priority order for this client because she has a history of CAD and HTN and reports chest discomfort and lightheadedness, which could indicate a possible myocardial infarction (heart attack) or arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
g) CBC: This is a blood test that measures the number and types of blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is not a priority order for this client because she does not have signs of anemia, bleeding, or infection.
h) 12 lead EKG: This is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart from 12 different angles. It can detect abnormalities in the heart's rhythm, conduction, or damage. This is a priority order for this client because she has a history of CAD and HTN and reports chest discomfort and lightheadedness, which could indicate a possible myocardial infarction (heart attack) or arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
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