A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.
Which of the following recommendations should the nurse include?

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.

Choice A rationale:

Research consistently shows that individuals who have a history of violent behavior are at a higher risk of engaging in future violent acts. This is a significant predictor because past behavior is often indicative of future behavior. Individuals with a history of violence may have difficulty managing anger, frustration, or stress, making them more prone to aggressive tendencies in various situations.

Choice B rationale:

Experiencing delusions refers to having false beliefs that are firmly held despite evidence to the contrary. While delusions can lead to erratic behavior, not all individuals experiencing delusions will become violent. The presence of delusions alone is not as strong a predictor of future violence as a documented history of violent behavior.

Choice C rationale:

While statistical data may indicate that males are more commonly involved in violent crimes, it is important to note that gender alone is not a reliable predictor of an individual's likelihood to become violent. Many males never engage in violent behavior, and focusing solely on gender overlooks crucial individual factors that contribute to violent tendencies.

Choice D rationale:

Having a history of being in prison suggests past involvement in criminal activities, but it does not directly predict future violent behavior. Some individuals may have been incarcerated for non-violent offenses or may have undergone rehabilitation, reducing their propensity for violence. Therefore, this choice is not as strong a predictor as previous violent behavior.