A client with diverticular disease has just returned from a colonoscopy. While conducting an abdominal assessment, the nurse monitors for which of the following as an initial sign of a possible complication of the procedure?

Guarding and rebound tenderness

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhea

Hyperactive bowel sounds

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Guarding and rebound tenderness are signs of peritonitis, which is a serious complication of colonoscopy. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. It can be caused by perforation or puncture of the colon during the colonoscopy, which allows bacteria and fecal matter to enter the peritoneal space. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of peritonitis, such as abdominal pain, rigidity, fever, and leukocytosis.

Choice B reason: Nausea and vomiting are not specific signs of a complication of colonoscopy. They may be caused by other factors, such as the sedation, the bowel preparation, or the ingestion of food or fluids after the procedure. Nausea and vomiting may also be symptoms of other conditions, such as gastroenteritis, food poisoning, or pregnancy.

Choice C reason: Diarrhea is not a sign of a complication of colonoscopy. Diarrhea may be a normal consequence of the bowel preparation, which involves taking laxatives or enemas to clear the colon before the procedure. Diarrhea may also be caused by other factors, such as the ingestion of food or fluids after the procedure, or the presence of an underlying bowel disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.

Choice D reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds are not a sign of a complication of colonoscopy. Hyperactive bowel sounds may indicate increased peristalsis, which is the movement of the digestive tract. Hyperactive bowel sounds may be a normal response to the bowel preparation, the ingestion of food or fluids after the procedure, or the stimulation of the colon during the colonoscopy. Hyperactive bowel sounds may also be present in conditions such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis, or intestinal obstruction.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Monitoring respiratory status for signs and symptoms of pulmonary complications is a priority nursing intervention for a client with hypervolemia. Hypervolemia is a condition where there is excess fluid in the blood vessels, which can cause fluid to leak into the lungs and impair gas exchange. The nurse should assess the client for signs of pulmonary edema, such as dyspnea, crackles, cough, and pink-tinged sputum.

Choice B reason: Encouraging the client to consume sodium-free fluids is not a priority nursing intervention for a client with hypervolemia. Sodium-free fluids may still contribute to fluid overload, especially if the client has impaired renal function or heart failure. The nurse should limit the client's fluid intake and administer diuretics as prescribed to reduce the fluid volume.

Choice C reason: Weighing dressings with a large-bore catheter is not a priority nursing intervention for a client with hypervolemia. This may be a relevant intervention for a client with hemorrhage, who may lose blood through a large-bore catheter or dressing. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure, pulse, and hemoglobin levels for signs of blood loss.

Choice D reason: Drawing a blood sample for typing and cross-matching is not a priority nursing intervention for a client with hypervolemia. This may be a relevant intervention for a client who needs a blood transfusion, which may be indicated for a client with anemia, trauma, or surgery. The nurse should check the client's blood type and compatibility before administering any blood products.

A. 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. B. Your appendix doesn't play a major role so you won't notice any difference after your recovery from surgery. C. Your body will absorb slightly fewer nutrients from the food you eat, but you won't be aware of this. D. Your small intestine will adapt over time to the absence of your appendix.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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.

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A client with diverticular disease has just returned from a colonoscopy. While conducting an abdominal assessment, the nurse monitors for which of the following as an initial sign of a possible complication of the procedure?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for several patients with fluid imbalances. A priority nursing intervention for a client with hypervolemia involves which of the following?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing hypovolemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?