A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who reports right lower quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting for the past 48 hr.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Offer pain medication.
Auscultate bowel sounds.
Palpate the abdomen.
Administer an antiemetic.
The Correct Answer is B
The nurse should first auscultate the client’s bowel sounds.
This will provide important information about the client’s gastrointestinal function and can help determine the cause of the client’s symptoms.
Choice A is wrong because while offering pain medication may provide temporary relief, it does not address the underlying cause of the client’s symptoms.
Choice C is wrong because palpating the abdomen before auscultating bowel sounds can alter the bowel sounds and make it more difficult to accurately assess the client’s condition.
Choice D is wrong because administering an antiemetic may provide temporary relief from nausea and vomiting, but it does not address the underlying cause of the client’s symptoms.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should respond to the client’s concern by saying “You are worried about having to wear a colostomy bag?” This response acknowledges the client’s concern and allows the client to express their feelings and concerns about the potential colostomy.

Choice A is not an appropriate response because it dismisses the client’s current concern and delays addressing it until after the surgery.
Choice C is not an appropriate response because it does not address the client’s concern about wearing a colostomy bag.
Choice D is not an appropriate response because it shifts the focus away from the client’s concern and onto someone else.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Step 1: Calculate the total fluid intake. The client received 0.9% sodium chloride 600 mL IV infusion and cefazolin 250 mg in dextrose 5% in water 100 mL intermittent IV bolus. So, the total fluid intake is 600 mL + 100 mL = 700 mL.
Step 2: Calculate the total fluid output. The client had 200 mL emesis, 40 mL voided urine, and 20 mL urine from straight catheterization. So, the total fluid output is 200 mL + 40 mL + 20 mL = 260 mL.
Step 3: Calculate the net fluid intake. The net fluid intake is the total fluid intake minus the total fluid output. So, the net fluid intake is 700 mL - 260 mL = 440 mL.
Therefore, the nurse should record the net fluid intake as 440 mL.
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