A nurse is planning care for a client who has diverticulitis. The nurse should plan to monitor the client for which of the following complications of diverticulitis?

Choice A reason: Slowing the rate to 50 mL/hr is not an appropriate action by the nurse before calling the physician to clarify the order. This could cause the client to become more hypovolemic, which is a condition where there is a decreased volume of blood in the body. Hypovolemia can lead to shock, organ failure, and death.

Choice B reason: Slowing the rate to 20 mL/hr is not an appropriate action by the nurse before calling the physician to clarify the order. This could also cause the client to become more hypovolemic, which is a serious and life-threatening condition. The nurse should not reduce the IV fluid rate without a physician's order.

Choice C reason: Increasing the rate to 250 mL/hr is not an appropriate action by the nurse before calling the physician to clarify the order. This could cause the client to become more hypervolemic, which is a condition where there is an excess of fluid in the blood vessels. Hypervolemia can cause fluid overload, pulmonary edema, and heart failure.

Choice D reason: Continuing the rate at 125 mL/hr is an appropriate action by the nurse before calling the physician to clarify the order. This is a reasonable rate for a client who has a head injury and hypovolemia, as it can help restore the fluid balance and prevent cerebral edema. The nurse should not change the IV fluid rate without a physician's order.

Choice A reason: This statement is not the best response for the nurse to give. The surgeon will not encourage the client to limit their fat intake after an appendectomy, as this has nothing to do with the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch attached to the beginning of the large intestine, not the small intestine where most of the fat digestion and absorption occurs.

Choice B reason: This statement is not the best response for the nurse to give. The appendix does play a role in the immune system and the gut microbiome, as it contains lymphoid tissue and beneficial bacteria. The client may notice some changes in their immunity or digestion after an appendectomy, especially if they have an infection or take antibiotics.

Choice C reason: This statement is not the best response for the nurse to give. The appendix does not affect the absorption of nutrients from the food the client eats, as it is not involved in the digestive process. The appendix is located at the end of the small intestine, where most of the nutrients have already been absorbed.

Choice D reason: This statement is the best response for the nurse to give. The appendix is not essential for survival, and the small intestine can adapt to its removal over time. The client may experience some temporary symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, or gas after an appendectomy, but these usually resolve within a few weeks. The nurse should reassure the client that they can live a normal and healthy life without an appendix.