A nurse is admitting a client who has suspected appendicitis. Which of the following findings is the nurse’s priority to report to the provider?

Distended, board-like abdomen

WBC count 15,000/mm³ (5,000 to 10,000/mm³)

Rebound tenderness over McBurney’s point

Temperature 37.3°C (99.1°F)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A Reason:

A distended, board-like abdomen is a critical finding that can indicate peritonitis, a severe complication of appendicitis. Peritonitis occurs when the appendix ruptures, leading to infection spreading throughout the abdominal cavity. This condition requires immediate medical intervention to prevent further complications and potential sepsis.

Choice B Reason:

A WBC count of 15,000/mm³ is elevated and suggests an infection, which is common in appendicitis. However, it is not as immediately critical as signs of peritonitis. Elevated WBC counts are expected in cases of appendicitis but do not necessarily indicate a life-threatening emergency.

Choice C Reason:

Rebound tenderness over McBurney’s point is a classic sign of appendicitis and indicates localized inflammation. While it is an important diagnostic sign, it does not require immediate reporting compared to signs of peritonitis.

Choice D Reason:

A temperature of 37.3°C (99.1°F) is only slightly elevated and does not indicate a severe infection or complication. Fever is a common symptom of appendicitis but is not as critical as a distended, board-like abdomen.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason

Apply an ice pack directly to the affected area. This statement is incorrect. Applying ice to a snake bite can cause more harm than good. Ice can restrict blood flow and potentially increase tissue damage. The recommended approach is to keep the bite area still and at or below heart level to slow the spread of venom.

Choice B Reason

Immobilize the affected extremity with a splint. This is the correct intervention. Immobilizing the affected limb helps to slow the spread of venom by reducing movement. Keeping the limb still and using a splint can prevent the venom from circulating more rapidly through the body.

Choice C Reason

Place a tourniquet above and below the affected area. This statement is incorrect. Using a tourniquet is not recommended for snake bites as it can cause severe damage to the affected limb by cutting off blood flow completely. This can lead to tissue death and other complications.

Choice D Reason

Elevate the affected extremity. This statement is incorrect. Elevating the limb can increase the spread of venom. The affected limb should be kept at or below heart level to slow the venom’s spread.

A. Your provider will use your digital rectal examination to perform the test. B. Your provider will prescribe a stimulant laxative prior to the procedure to evacuate the bowel. C. You should begin annual fecal occult blood testing for colorectal cancer screening at 40 years old. D. You should avoid taking corticosteroids prior to testing.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

The statement that “Your provider will use your digital rectal examination to perform the test” is incorrect. A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) typically involves collecting stool samples at home over several days, not during a digital rectal examination. The samples are then sent to a lab for analysis to detect hidden blood in the stool.

Choice B Reason:

The statement that “Your provider will prescribe a stimulant laxative prior to the procedure to evacuate the bowel” is also incorrect. There is no need for a stimulant laxative before an FOBT. The test requires normal bowel movements to detect any hidden blood in the stool.

Choice C Reason:

The recommendation to “begin annual fecal occult blood testing for colorectal cancer screening at 40 years old” is not accurate. Current guidelines generally recommend starting colorectal cancer screening at age 45 for individuals at average risk. However, those with higher risk factors may need to start earlier, based on their healthcare provider’s advice.

Choice D Reason:

The statement “You should avoid taking corticosteroids prior to testing” is correct. Certain medications, including corticosteroids, can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, which may lead to false-positive results in an FOBT. Therefore, it is important to avoid these medications before the test, as advised by a healthcare provider.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is admitting a client who has suspected appendicitis. Which of the following findings is the nurse’s priority to report to the provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in a rural community is providing education to a group of clients about first aid interventions for snake bites to prevent further injury. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client about fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) for the screening of colorectal cancer. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has a herniated lumbar disc. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is assessing a client who has had a left-hemisphere stroke. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new onset of genital herpes. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative immediately following a pheochromocytoma removal. Which of the following actions is the nurse’s priority?

A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and reports frequent leakage of small amounts of urine. The nurse notes that the client’s bladder is palpable upon examination. The nurse should identify these findings as which of the following forms of incontinence?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a cerebellar tumor. Which of the following actions is the nurse’s priority?

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has acute leukemia and received chemotherapy 12 hours ago. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is assessing a client who has had a left-hemisphere stroke. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?