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?
Bradycardia.
Elevated temperature.
Lethargy.
Decreased abdominal girth.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not typically associated with a perforated appendix. Instead, tachycardia (increased heart rate) is a more common finding due to the body's response to infection and inflammation. Therefore, choice A is not the correct answer.
Choice B rationale:
An elevated temperature (fever) is a common manifestation of appendicitis, especially when it progresses to perforation. This is because infection and inflammation in the abdominal cavity can lead to fever as the body's immune response. While it is a concern, it is not specifically indicative of a perforated appendix. Therefore, choice B is not the correct answer.
Choice C rationale:
Lethargy may be seen in a child with appendicitis, especially if they are experiencing pain and discomfort. However, it is not a specific indicator of a perforated appendix. Lethargy can result from various factors, including pain and illness, but it does not directly correlate with perforation. Therefore, choice C is not the correct answer.
Choice D rationale:
Decreased abdominal girth is a concerning sign that can be indicative of a perforated appendix. When the appendix perforates, it can release infected material into the abdominal cavity, leading to inflammation and the formation of an abscess. This can cause the abdomen to become distended initially, but as the infection spreads and fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity, the abdomen may appear swollen and then gradually decrease in girth as the abscess forms. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer as it reflects a significant and specific manifestation of a perforated appendix that requires prompt reporting to the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale: Documenting the event in the client’s progress notes is not the most appropriate action in this situation. The client’s progress notes should contain information about the client’s health status and care, not about staff behavior. Furthermore, documenting this incident in the client’s notes could potentially violate the client’s privacy if the notes are accessed by individuals who do not need to know about the incident.
Choice B rationale: Submitting an incident report to the risk manager is not the most appropriate action in this situation. Incident reports are typically used for events that have caused or have the potential to cause harm to a client, such as medication errors or falls. In this case, while the APs’ behavior is inappropriate, it has not caused harm to the client.
Choice C rationale: Informing the client of the APs’ actions is not the most appropriate action in this situation. Doing so could unnecessarily worry or upset the client. The nurse’s role is to advocate for the client and protect their privacy and dignity, which includes not sharing information about inappropriate staff behavior with the client.
Choice D rationale: Telling the APs to stop the conversation is the most appropriate action in this situation. The nurse has a professional responsibility to address inappropriate behavior by other healthcare team members. Discussing a client in a public area, such as the nurses’ station, is a breach of client confidentiality. The nurse should remind the APs of the importance of maintaining client confidentiality and direct them to stop the conversation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The administration of Rh(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) is typically indicated for Rh-negative mothers who are carrying Rh-positive fetuses to prevent sensitization to Rh antigens. It is not directly related to the amniocentesis procedure. Therefore, this information is not necessary for the client undergoing an amniocentesis.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct answer. Having an empty bladder is crucial during an amniocentesis procedure because a full bladder can obscure visualization of the fetus and the needle placement. It is essential for a successful and safe procedure. The nurse should instruct the client to empty their bladder before the test.
Choice C rationale:
The position during an amniocentesis is typically dorsal recumbent or semi-Fowler's position to allow for proper visualization of the fetus and needle placement. Lying on the left side is not a standard position for this procedure, so this information is incorrect and not necessary for the client.
Choice D rationale:
Drinking 50 grams of oral glucose is not a requirement for an amniocentesis procedure. This information is unrelated to the amniocentesis and can be confusing for the client. Therefore, it is not necessary to include this in the instructions.
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