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A nurse is caring for a school-age child who has appendicitis.
For which of the following findings should the nurse monitor as a manifestation of a perforated appendix and report to the provider?

A.

Bradycardia.

B.

Elevated temperature.

C.

Lethargy.

D.

Decreased abdominal girth.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

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.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Rigid abdomen. A rigid abdomen is not typically associated with placenta previa. Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, and it is more likely to present with painless vaginal bleeding rather than abdominal rigidity.

Choice B rationale:

Persistent uterine contractions. Persistent uterine contractions are not a characteristic finding in placenta previa. In fact, uterine contractions can be concerning in the presence of placenta previa as they may increase the risk of bleeding.

Choice C rationale:

Bright red vaginal bleeding. Bright red vaginal bleeding is a common and hallmark symptom of placenta previa. This bleeding typically occurs without pain and can be intermittent or continuous. It is essential to recognize this symptom promptly because it can lead to significant maternal and fetal complications.

Choice D rationale:

Increased fetal movement. Increased fetal movement is not a typical finding in placenta previa. The presence or absence of fetal movement should always be monitored during pregnancy, but it is not a specific indicator of placenta previa.

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"B"}}

Explanation

Elevate extremity.Anticipated.This helps to reduce swelling and improve blood flow to the affected area. Send the catheter tip for culture.Anticipated.This helps to identify the possible cause of infection and guide the appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Assist in inserting a new IV catheter in a site distal to infiltration site.Contraindicated.A new IV catheter should be inserted in a site proximal to the infiltration site or in another extremity to avoid further damage to the infiltrated vein.

Suggest irrigating the IV catheter.Contraindicated.Irrigating the IV catheter may worsen the infiltration and increase the risk of complications.

Apply a cool compress to the extremity.Anticipated.This helps to reduce inflammation and pain at the infiltration site.

Administer phytonadione.Contraindicated.Phytonadione is a vitamin K antagonist that is used to reverse the effects of warfarin, an anticoagulant.It has no role in the management of IV infiltration.

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