A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who has appendicitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Maintain the client in a semi-Fowler's position.
Administer an enema 1 hr prior to surgery.
Apply a warm pack to the client's lower abdomen.
Place the client on a clear liquid diet.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should maintain the client in a semi-Fowler's position to promote comfort and reduce the risk of complications related to appendicitis. This position helps to decrease pressure on the abdomen and may alleviate pain by reducing tension on the abdominal muscles.
Choice B rationale:
Administering an enema 1 hour prior to surgery is not indicated for a client with appendicitis. Enemas are generally not recommended for clients with suspected or confirmed appendicitis as they can potentially worsen inflammation and cause perforation of the inflamed appendix.
Choice C rationale:
Applying a warm pack to the client's lower abdomen is contraindicated in appendicitis. Heat can exacerbate inflammation and should be avoided in such cases.
Choice D rationale:
Placing the client on a clear liquid diet is not appropriate for appendicitis. Clients with appendicitis are typically NPO (nothing by mouth) to avoid stimulating the gastrointestinal tract and reduce the risk of rupture if surgery is needed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increasing the intake of high-fiber foods is not relevant to managing dry mouth caused by benztropine. While fiber is essential for digestive health, it does not directly address the issue of dry mouth.
Choice B rationale:
Chewing sugarless gum can be helpful in promoting saliva production, but in Parkinson's disease, it can exacerbate swallowing difficulties and increase the risk of aspiration.
Choice C rationale:
Moistening the mouth with lemon-glycerin swabs is the appropriate recommendation. Lemon-glycerin swabs can help lubricate the mouth and provide relief from dryness, which is a common side effect of benztropine, an anticholinergic medication.
Choice D rationale:
Rinsing the mouth with nystatin is used to treat oral candidiasis (thrush), a fungal infection, and is not relevant to managing dry mouth caused by benztropine.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Poor skin turgor is a sign of dehydration and is not specifically related to hypoglycemia. It is assessed by pinching the skin on the back of the hand and observing how quickly it returns to its normal position.
Choice B rationale:
Fruity breath odor is associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of uncontrolled diabetes, not hypoglycemia. It is caused by the presence of ketones in the breath due to the breakdown of fats for energy in the absence of adequate insulin.
Choice C rationale:
Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid, and labored breathing patterns seen in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), not in hypoglycemia. They are the body's attempt to blow off excess carbon dioxide and acid from the blood.
Choice D rationale:
Irritability is a common manifestation of hypoglycemia. Low blood glucose levels can affect brain function, leading to mood changes, irritability, and nervousness.
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