A nurse is assessing a client who presents to the emergency department with reports of right lower quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting for the past 2 days. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Palpate the abdomen.

Auscultate bowel sounds.

Offer pain medication.

Administer an antibiotic.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   Palpating the abdomen may exacerbate pain or cause discomfort, and it is not the first action in the assessment of a client with suspected appendicitis. Auscultating bowel sounds is a more appropriate initial step.
B.   Auscultating bowel sounds is the priority to assess for signs of bowel obstruction or ileus, which can contribute to the client's symptoms.
C.   Offering pain medication can be addressed after the initial assessment and determination of the cause of the symptoms.
D.   Administering an antibiotic is premature before a diagnosis is confirmed. The priority is to assess and gather information first.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. 2+ pitting edema is not a contraindication to cold application; in fact, cold application can help reduce edema.
B. A 7.5 cm (3 in) diameter bruise on the ankle is not a contraindication to cold application; cold can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
C. Capillary refill of 4 seconds suggests compromised blood flow, and cold application may further impair circulation. It is a contraindication.
D. Warts on the affected ankle are not a contraindication to cold application.

A. Hold the dropper 1/2 inch (1 cm) above the ear canal during administration. B. Place a cotton ball into the inner ear canal for 30 min following administration. C. Straighten the ear canal by pulling the auricle down and back prior to administration. D. Apply pressure to the nasolacrimal duct following administration.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Holding the dropper 1/2 inch (1 cm) above the ear canal during administration (option A) is indeed the correct action when administering otic medications. This distance helps to ensure that the medication is properly instilled into the ear canal without touching the dropper tip to the skin or ear canal, reducing the risk of contamination.
B. Placing a cotton ball into the inner ear canal is not necessary following otic administration. It may cause unnecessary discomfort to the client.

C. Straightening the ear canal by pulling the auricle down and back can make the medication trickle out of the ear. It should be held outward and upward.
D. Applying pressure to the nasolacrimal duct is a technique used for ophthalmic medications, not otic medications.

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A nurse is assessing a client who presents to the emergency department with reports of right lower quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting for the past 2 days. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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