A nurse is planning care for a client who has acute appendicitis.
Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Administer a laxative to the client.
Keep the client on NPO status.
Place the client's head of bed flat.
Apply heat to the client's abdomen.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Administering a laxative to a client with acute appendicitis is contraindicated. Laxatives can increase bowel motility, which may aggravate the inflamed appendix and lead to rupture. Rupture of the appendix can result in a life-threatening condition known as peritonitis.
Choice B rationale:
Keeping the client on NPO (nothing by mouth) status is the correct choice. NPO status is essential in the management of acute appendicitis. It helps to rest the bowel, prevents stimulation of the appendix, and decreases the risk of rupture. Oral intake, including food and fluids, is usually restricted until the client undergoes surgery to remove the inflamed appendix (appendectomy).
Choice C rationale:
Placing the client's head of bed flat is not the optimal position for a client with acute appendicitis. Elevating the head of the bed slightly (semi-Fowler's position) can help reduce discomfort and minimize pressure on the abdomen. This position is more comfortable for the client and can aid in pain management.
Choice D rationale:
Applying heat to the client's abdomen is not recommended in acute appendicitis. Heat application can increase blood flow to the area, potentially worsening inflammation and exacerbating pain. Cold packs or ice packs are sometimes used to provide comfort, but their application should be done cautiously to avoid skin damage. However, in many cases, healthcare providers prefer to avoid temperature applications to prevent masking symptoms and signs of worsening appendicitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice c. Limit fluid intake with meals.
Choice A rationale:
Administering a bronchodilator after meals is not ideal because bronchodilators are typically given before meals to help open the airways and make breathing easier during eating.
Choice B rationale:
Ambulating the client before each meal might cause fatigue, making it harder for the client to eat and potentially decreasing their overall intake.
Choice C rationale:
Limiting fluid intake with meals can help prevent the client from feeling too full, which can make it easier for them to consume more solid food. This is particularly important for clients with COPD who may already have a reduced appetite and difficulty eating large amounts at once.
Choice D rationale:
Offering three large meals each day is not recommended for clients with COPD. Smaller, more frequent meals are generally better tolerated and can help prevent the feeling of fullness that can make breathing more difficult.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Taking temperature within 30 minutes after the first morning void is specific to ovulation prediction kits, not the basal body temperature method.
Choice B rationale:
Taking temperature 1 hour after getting out of bed is not accurate for tracking basal body temperature fluctuations related to the menstrual cycle.
Choice C rationale:
Taking temperature every night before going to bed does not provide consistent basal body temperature readings, as the body temperature needs to be taken at the same time every morning to detect subtle changes related to the menstrual cycle.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct answer. To use the basal body temperature method effectively, the client should take their temperature immediately after waking and before getting out of bed every morning. This helps in detecting the slight rise in basal body temperature that occurs after ovulation, indicating the fertile period.
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