A nurse in an urgent care clinic is caring for a client who reports recently using methylenedioxy-methamphetamine.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale: Bradycardia is not typically associated with a perforated appendix. Instead, tachycardia (increased heart rate) may occur due to pain and infection-related systemic responses. Bradycardia could indicate other unrelated medical issues and should still be monitored.

Choice B rationale: Elevated temperature is a key sign of infection and inflammation, which are common with a perforated appendix. The release of bacteria into the abdominal cavity can cause peritonitis, leading to fever as part of the body's immune response.

Choice C rationale: Lethargy can be a nonspecific symptom and may occur in various conditions. While it can be associated with severe infection, it is not a definitive indicator of a perforated appendix. Monitoring for more specific signs, like fever and pain, is crucial.

Choice D rationale: Decreased abdominal girth is unlikely and not indicative of a perforated appendix. Instead, an increase in abdominal girth due to fluid accumulation (ascites) or air (from perforation) would be more concerning and should be reported promptly.

Choice A rationale:

Removing wrist restraints one at a time from a calm client, while not following the recommended two-person verification process, is a potential safety concern but may not require an incident report. However, it should be addressed according to the facility's policies and procedures.

Choice B rationale:

An electronic IV pump delivering twice the prescribed amount of fluid is a critical incident that should be reported immediately via an incident report. Such errors can have serious consequences for the patient and may require immediate intervention.

Choice C rationale:

Discovering that a client's family member administered a PCA dose is also a significant event that should be reported via an incident report. PCA (Patient-Controlled Analgesia) dosing should only be administered by healthcare professionals to ensure safe and accurate medication delivery.

Choice D rationale:

Observing a client vomiting after receiving an oral pain medication should be addressed and documented in the patient's medical record as a change in the patient's condition, but it may not necessarily require an incident report unless there are extenuating circumstances or complications.