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?

 

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: Quoting client comments when documenting provides accurate and direct information. It ensures the client's exact words are recorded, which is important for clear communication among healthcare providers and for legal documentation.

Choice B rationale: Documenting medication administration should occur immediately after giving the dose, not prior. This ensures accuracy and prevents potential errors or omissions, maintaining the integrity and safety of the client's medical record.

Choice C rationale: Documenting information telephoned in by a nurse who left the unit ensures continuity of care. It accurately records details that may be critical to the client's treatment and care plan, ensuring that all healthcare providers have up-to-date information.

Choice D rationale: Limiting documentation to subjective information is not sufficient. Comprehensive documentation should include both subjective (client's statements) and objective (measurable data) information to provide a complete and accurate picture of the client's condition and care.

Wheezes: This finding may indicate a latex allergy, as wheezing is a sign of respiratory distress caused by an allergic reaction to latex proteins. Wheezes are not typical of malignant hyperthermia or hypovolemic shock.

Muscle rigidity: This finding is a hallmark of malignant hyperthermia, as it reflects the excessive calcium release and muscle contraction triggered by certain anesthetic agents. Muscle rigidity is not a feature of latex allergy or hypovolemic shock.

Urticaria: This finding is a common manifestation of latex allergy, as urticaria (hives) is a type of skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to latex proteins. Urticaria is not associated with malignant hyperthermia or hypovolemic shock.

Hypercapnia: This finding is indicative of malignant hyperthermia, as hypercapnia (high carbon dioxide levels in the blood) is a result of increased metabolism and oxygen consumption due to muscle rigidity and fever. Hypercapnia is not usually seen in latex allergy or hypovolemic shock, unless there is severe respiratory compromise.

Tachycardia: This finding can be present in all three disease processes, as tachycardia (fast heart rate) is a nonspecific response to stress, fever, pain, hypoxia, or hypovolemia. However, tachycardia is more pronounced and persistent in malignant hyperthermia and hypovolemic shock than in latex allergy.