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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A heart rate of 140/min is not a specific indicator of desmopressin effectiveness in a child with diabetes insipidus. The effectiveness of desmopressin is primarily evaluated based on the reduction in excessive urination and thirst associated with the condition. Monitoring heart rate is essential in certain situations but is not a direct measure of desmopressin efficacy in managing diabetes insipidus.
Choice B rationale:
Cessation of nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) is a significant indication that desmopressin, an antidiuretic hormone, is effective. One of the main symptoms of diabetes insipidus is excessive urination, including during the night, leading to bedwetting. When desmopressin effectively reduces urine production, patients often experience improvement in these symptoms, including the cessation of nocturnal enuresis.
Choice C rationale:
Capillary refill of 3 seconds is a measurement used to assess peripheral perfusion and circulatory status. While it is essential to monitor capillary refill in pediatric patients, especially in cases of dehydration or circulatory compromise, it is not a specific indicator of desmopressin effectiveness in managing diabetes insipidus. Capillary refill time is more relevant in the assessment of cardiovascular function and fluid status.
Choice D rationale:
The absence of hypoglycemic episodes is not a direct indicator of desmopressin effectiveness. Diabetes insipidus is unrelated to blood glucose levels, as it involves the dysregulation of water balance due to insufficient antidiuretic hormone. While it is essential to monitor blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus, it is not relevant to assessing the effectiveness of desmopressin in treating diabetes insipidus.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
After a total gastrectomy, the client lacks the intrinsic factor necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the terminal ileum. Therefore, vitamin B12 supplementation is essential to prevent pernicious anemia, a condition caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. The absence of intrinsic factor hinders the absorption of vitamin B12 from dietary sources, making it necessary to provide this vitamin through injections or high-dose oral supplements. Vitamin B12 supplementation is a standard practice following a total gastrectomy.
Choice B rationale:
Ranitidine is a histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonist used to reduce stomach acid production. It is not directly related to vitamin B12 deficiency and is not typically prescribed following a total gastrectomy. Vitamin B12 supplementation, on the other hand, addresses the specific deficiency caused by the absence of intrinsic factor.
Choice C rationale:
Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health. However, it is not the primary concern following a total gastrectomy. Vitamin B12 deficiency leading to pernicious anemia is the major focus of post-gastrectomy supplementation. While vitamin K may be important for overall health, it is not the immediate priority in this scenario.
Choice D rationale:
Metoclopramide is a medication used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, including gastroparesis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It does not directly address the vitamin B12 deficiency resulting from the absence of intrinsic factor. Vitamin B12 supplementation is specifically indicated to prevent pernicious anemia in this context.
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