A nurse and an assistive personnel (AP) are providing care for four clients who were admitted to the medical-surgical unit on the previous shift. The nurse should delegate meal assistance for which of the following clients to the AP?

Choice A reason:

A sudden decrease in abdominal pain can indicate that the appendix has perforated. When the appendix bursts, the pressure is relieved, leading to a temporary reduction in pain. However, this is quickly followed by severe pain and signs of peritonitis, such as a rigid abdomen and high fever.

Choice B reason:

The absence of Rovsing’s sign is not a specific indicator of a perforated appendix. Rovsing’s sign is a clinical test used to diagnose appendicitis, where pain is elicited in the right lower quadrant when the left lower quadrant is palpated. Its absence does not necessarily indicate perforation.

Choice C reason:

A low-grade fever is a common symptom of appendicitis but does not specifically indicate perforation. A perforated appendix typically leads to a high fever due to the spread of infection within the abdomen.

Choice D reason:

A rigid abdomen is a sign of peritonitis, which can occur after the appendix has perforated. While this is an important symptom, the sudden decrease in pain followed by severe symptoms is more indicative of perforation.

Choice A reason:

Health care provider: While health care providers, such as doctors, have extensive knowledge about medications and their uses, they may not always have the most up-to-date information on specific drug compatibilities. Pharmacists specialize in medications and are more likely to have immediate access to detailed compatibility data.

Choice B reason:

Hospital pharmacist: Pharmacists are the primary resource for information on drug compatibility. They have access to comprehensive databases and resources that provide detailed information on drug interactions and compatibility. Consulting the hospital pharmacist ensures that the nurse receives accurate and current information regarding the safe administration of ampicillin and gentamicin sulfate.

Choice C reason:

Nurse manager: Nurse managers oversee nursing staff and ensure that patient care standards are met. While they have a broad knowledge of clinical practices, they may not have the specific expertise or resources to provide detailed information on drug compatibility.

Choice D reason:

Medication sales representative: Medication sales representatives are knowledgeable about the products they promote, but their primary role is to market medications. They may not have the comprehensive and unbiased information needed to determine drug compatibility. It is always best to consult a pharmacist for this type of information.