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:

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not typically associated with hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is characterized by low levels of sodium in the blood, which can lead to symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and muscle cramps. Hypertension is more commonly associated with conditions like hypertension itself or conditions that cause fluid retention.

Choice B rationale:

Constipation is not a typical finding in hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is more likely to cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Constipation is not a direct consequence of low sodium levels in the blood.

Choice C rationale:

Muscle cramps are a common manifestation of hyponatremia. Low sodium levels can lead to an imbalance in electrolytes, affecting muscle function and leading to muscle cramps and weakness. Monitoring for muscle cramps is important in clients with hyponatremia.

Choice D rationale:

Blurred vision is not a classic symptom of hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is more likely to cause neurological symptoms such as confusion, headache, and in severe cases, seizures. Blurred vision is typically associated with other eye or visual disorders and not directly related to low sodium levels in the blood.

Choice A rationale:

Placing the client's arms raised above her head with her legs elevated on pillows (choice A) is not the correct position for a lumbar puncture. This position does not facilitate proper alignment of the spine and may hinder the procedure.

Choice B rationale:

The Trendelenburg position with the body in Sims' position (choice B) is not the correct position for a lumbar puncture. This position is not commonly used for lumbar punctures and may not provide the necessary anatomical alignment for a successful procedure.

Choice C rationale:

Placing the client prone with her arms at her side and her legs extended (choice C) is not the appropriate position for a lumbar puncture. This position does not allow for proper access to the lumbar region and may impede the procedure.

Choice D rationale:

The correct position for a lumbar puncture is to have the client flex their head to the chest and pull their knees up to the abdomen (choice D) This position maximizes the space between the lumbar vertebrae, making it easier for the provider to access the subarachnoid space for cerebrospinal fluid collection.