A nurse is assessing a child who has appendicitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Pain
High fever
Constipation
Bradycardia
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Pain is an expected finding for a child who has appendicitis, as it is caused by the inflammation and infection of the appendix, which is a small pouch attached to the cecum. Pain usually begins around the umbilicus and then shifts to the right lower quadrant, and it may worsen with movement, coughing, or deep breathing.
Choice B reason: High fever is not an expected finding for a child who has appendicitis, as it indicates a severe infection or a perforation of the appendix, which can lead to peritonitis or sepsis. A mild fever may be present in some cases of appendicitis, but it is not a specific or reliable sign.
Choice C reason: Constipation is not an expected finding for a child who has appendicitis, as it is not related to the function or location of the appendix. Constipation may be caused by many other factors, such as dehydration, diet, medication, or bowel habits. Diarrhea may occur in some cases of appendicitis, but it is also not a specific or reliable sign.
Choice D reason: Bradycardia is not an expected finding for a child who has appendicitis, as it indicates a decreased heart rate, which can be a sign of shock, hypothermia, or cardiac problems. Bradycardia is defined as a heart rate below 60/min in children older than 1 year, or below 100/min in infants younger than 1 year. Tachycardia, or an increased heart rate, may occur in some cases of appendicitis, as a result of pain, fever, or dehydration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is: B. I will add Polycose to each of my baby's bottles.
Choice A reason:
Allowing the baby to take as much time as needed to finish the bottle is not ideal for infants with heart failure. These infants often tire easily and may not consume enough calories if feeding sessions are prolonged. Shorter, more frequent feedings are generally recommended to ensure adequate intake without exhausting the infant.
Choice B reason:
Adding Polycose to each bottle is an effective way to increase the caloric density of the infant's feedings. Infants with heart failure have higher caloric needs due to their increased metabolic demands and may struggle to consume enough calories through regular formula or breast milk alone. Polycose, a carbohydrate supplement, helps meet these increased nutritional needs.
Choice C reason:
Feeding the baby on a schedule every 4 hours may not be sufficient for an infant with heart failure. These infants often require more frequent feedings to meet their caloric needs and to prevent fatigue during feeding. Feeding every 1-3 hours is typically recommended to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.
Choice D reason:
Limiting the baby's crying to 15 minutes prior to each feeding does not directly address the nutritional needs of an infant with heart failure. While managing crying is important to reduce energy expenditure, the focus should be on providing adequate nutrition through frequent, high-calorie feedings.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administering antibiotic therapy is an anticipated prescription for the client, as it can treat the possible bacterial infection that is causing the fever, anorexia, and shortness of breath. The client may have developed infective endocarditis, a serious condition that affects the heart valves and can lead to heart failure or stroke. Antibiotic therapy can help prevent further complications and reduce the risk of mortality.
Choice B reason: Obtaining an echocardiogram is an anticipated prescription for the client, as it can help diagnose the presence and severity of infective endocarditis. An echocardiogram is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart and its structures. It can show if there is any damage to the heart valves, vegetation (clumps of bacteria and cells) on the valves, or signs of heart failure.
Choice C reason: Obtaining blood cultures x3 is an anticipated prescription for the client, as it can help identify the causative organism of the infection and guide the appropriate antibiotic therapy. Blood cultures are samples of blood that are taken from different sites and times and tested for the presence of bacteria or other microorganisms. They can confirm the diagnosis of infective endocarditis and determine the sensitivity and resistance of the bacteria to different antibiotics.
Choice D reason: Restricting dental hygiene is a contraindicated prescription for the client, as it can worsen the oral health and increase the risk of infection. Dental hygiene is important for preventing plaque and tartar buildup, which can harbor bacteria and cause dental caries, gingivitis, or periodontitis. These conditions can increase the risk of bacteremia (bacteria in the blood) and infective endocarditis. The nurse should teach the client to maintain good oral hygiene and use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle flossing.
Choice E reason: Performing a strenuous exercise regimen twice a day is a contraindicated prescription for the client, as it can increase the cardiac workload and exacerbate the symptoms of infective endocarditis. Strenuous exercise can cause tachycardia (fast heart rate), dyspnea (difficulty breathing), chest pain, and fatigue, which can worsen the condition of the heart and the valves. The nurse should advise the client to avoid strenuous exercise and limit physical activity to a level that does not cause symptoms.
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