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?

Choice A rationale:

Temperature of 39°C (102.2°F) A temperature of 39°C (102.2°F) is elevated, but it is not directly related to a heart rate of 44/min. Elevated temperature can be caused by various factors, such as infection, and would not be an expected finding solely due to the heart rate.

Choice B rationale:

History of cigarette smoking. A history of cigarette smoking may be a risk factor for certain cardiovascular conditions, but it does not directly explain a heart rate of 44/min. The heart rate can be influenced by factors such as medications, cardiac conditions, and autonomic nervous system activity.

Choice D rationale:

Hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can cause various symptoms, including shakiness, confusion, and sweating, but it is not the primary cause of a heart rate of 44/min. Hypoglycemia is more likely to cause symptoms related to altered mental status and autonomic nervous system activation.

Choice C rationale:

Patient reports they feel that they are going to pass out. A heart rate of 44/min is significantly lower than the normal range for adults, which is typically between 60-100 beats per minute. Such a low heart rate, known as bradycardia, can lead to decreased blood flow to vital organs, including the brain. Feeling like they are going to pass out is a concerning symptom associated with bradycardia because it suggests inadequate cardiac output and perfusion. This finding should prompt immediate assessment and intervention to address the underlying cause of the slow heart rate.

The correct answer is choice B and C.

Choice A rationale:

Cervical insufficiency is a condition where the cervix begins to shorten and open too early during pregnancy, leading to premature birth or loss of an otherwise healthy pregnancy. However, the client’s symptoms do not indicate cervical insufficiency. There are no reports of lower abdominal pressure, mild pelvic cramps, or a change in vaginal discharge, which are common symptoms of cervical insufficiency.

Choice B rationale:

The client’s severe headache unrelieved by acetaminophen, +3 pitting edema in bilateral lower extremities, and hyperactive reflexes (patellar reflex 4+) are indicative of severe preeclampsia. One of the complications of severe preeclampsia is seizures, also known as eclampsia. Therefore, the client is at risk for developing seizures.

Choice C rationale:

Placental abruption is a serious pregnancy complication in which the placenta detaches from the uterus prematurely. The client’s report of decreased fetal movement could be a sign of placental abruption. In addition, severe preeclampsia can increase the risk of placental abruption. Therefore, the client is at risk for developing placental abruption.

Choice D rationale:

Heart failure occurs when the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. While preeclampsia can eventually affect many organ systems including the cardiovascular system, there are no immediate signs of heart failure in the client’s symptoms.

Choice E rationale:

Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels. The client’s symptoms do not suggest hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia typically include confusion, dizziness, feeling shaky, hunger, headaches, irritability, pounding heart or irregular heartbeat, sweating, trembling or tremors, and weakness. In conclusion, based on the client’s symptoms and clinical presentation, she is at greatest risk for developing seizures (Choice B) and placental abruption (Choice C) due to severe preeclampsia.