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 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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
An entry on a nursing blog, while potentially informative, does not provide the same level of evidence-based information as a peer-reviewed journal article. Blog posts may not undergo rigorous peer review and may lack the scientific rigor and credibility associated with peer-reviewed research. Therefore, choice A is not the best source for evidence-based information.
Choice B rationale:
Information from a wound care product vendor may be biased and influenced by commercial interests. Vendors often aim to promote their products, and the information they provide may not be impartial or based on rigorous scientific research. Therefore, choice B is not the best source for evidence-based information.
Choice C rationale:
A peer-reviewed journal article is considered one of the most reliable sources of evidence-based information in healthcare. Such articles undergo a thorough review process by experts in the field to ensure the accuracy, quality, and validity of the research findings. Peer-reviewed articles provide credible and up-to-date information based on scientific research and are widely recognized as a gold standard in evidence-based practice. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer as it offers the best evidence-based information.
Choice D rationale:
First-hand experience with wound care products, while valuable, may not necessarily provide the most comprehensive or up-to-date information. Personal experiences can vary, and healthcare practices evolve over time based on research and new evidence. Therefore, choice D is not the best source for evidence-based information.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Calling the supervisor to ask for another nurse is not the first action the charge nurse should take when noticing the smell of alcohol on a nurse's breath. While it's important to involve the supervisor, immediate action to ensure patient safety is required.
Choice B rationale:
Documenting objective findings about the situation is a valid step in the process, but it should not be the first action. The charge nurse's primary responsibility is to address the immediate safety concerns.
Choice C rationale:
Removing the nurse from the client care area is the first action the charge nurse should take when smelling alcohol on a nurse's breath. This action ensures patient safety and prevents potential harm caused by impaired nursing care.
Choice D rationale:
Assigning clients to the remaining staff is not the first action to take when there is suspicion of alcohol impairment in a nurse. Patient safety and addressing the situation involving the impaired nurse take precedence.
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