A nurse is caring for a client who is obese. The client is crying and states, "Everyone is staring at me because of my weight." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Rationale:

A. Weigh the client before and after the procedure: Weighing the client helps to assess the volume of fluid removed and its immediate impact on the client’s body weight. This also assists in evaluating the effectiveness of the procedure and monitoring for fluid imbalances or complications.

B. Administer a low-volume hypertonic enema the night before the procedure: Enemas are not indicated for paracentesis, which involves the peritoneal cavity, not the bowel. Preparing the bowel is not necessary for this procedure and does not influence its safety or effectiveness.

C. Place the client in a side-lying position for the procedure: Paracentesis is typically performed with the client in a semi- to high-Fowler’s position. This position causes ascitic fluid to collect in the lower abdomen, making it more accessible and reducing the risk of organ puncture.

D. Ensure the client has a full bladder just prior to the procedure: The bladder should be emptied before paracentesis to reduce the risk of accidental puncture. A full bladder increases the chance of bladder injury during the needle insertion into the peritoneal cavity.

Rationale:

• Temperature: The child’s temperature is 37.4°C (99.3°F), which is mildly elevated. Crohn’s disease typically causes intermittent fever during flare-ups. Appendicitis often presents with a higher fever in later stages. Intussusception can cause low-grade fever due to bowel inflammation, making it the most consistent with this finding.
• Vomiting: Vomiting is uncommon in Crohn’s disease unless there’s obstruction or severe disease. In appendicitis, vomiting usually follows the onset of pain and is related to peritoneal irritation. Intussusception often involves vomiting early due to intermittent bowel obstruction, making it consistent with this client’s symptoms.
• Abdominal findings: Crohn’s disease rarely produces a palpable abdominal mass or sudden distension. Appendicitis can cause right-sided tenderness and decreased bowel sounds but does not typically involve a mass. Intussusception often presents with a distended abdomen, hypoactive bowel sounds, and a sausage-shaped mass in the right upper quadrant, as described.
• Stool: Crohn’s disease can lead to bloody, mucus-filled stools due to ulceration in the intestinal lining. Appendicitis does not typically alter stool characteristics unless perforation occurs. Intussusception is well known for producing “currant jelly” stools, composed of blood and mucus, aligning with this child’s bowel movement description.
• Pain rating: A FLACC score of 5 indicates moderate pain. Crohn’s pain tends to be chronic and crampy rather than episodic. Appendicitis pain worsens over time and becomes localized, typically in the right lower quadrant. Intussusception causes intermittent, severe abdominal pain with sudden relief, matching the child’s pain episodes and behavior.