A patient has been brought to the emergency department with abdominal pain and is subsequently diagnosed with appendicitis. The patient is scheduled for an appendectomy but questions the nurse about how his health will be affected by the absence of an appendix. How should the nurse best respond?
"Your large intestine will adapt over time to the absence of your appendix."
"Your appendix doesn't play a major role, so you won't notice any difference after you recover from surgery."
"Your body will absorb slightly fewer nutrients from the food you eat, but you won't be aware of this."
"The surgeon will encourage you to limit your fat intake for a few weeks after the surgery, but your body will then begin to compensate."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
This statement may not be entirely accurate. While other parts of the digestive system can compensate to some extent, the primary function of the appendix is not related to the large intestine's adaptation.
Choice B reason:
This is the correct answer. The appendix is considered a vestigial organ, meaning it doesn't have a major function in humans. Its removal typically doesn't lead to noticeable changes in overall health or digestion.
Choice C reason:
While the appendix does have some immune functions, the impact on nutrient absorption is minimal, and its removal is unlikely to lead to a significant difference in nutrient absorption.
Choice D reason:
Limiting fat intake after surgery is not a standard recommendation following an appendectomy. The statement may cause unnecessary concern for the patient.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This presentation of hepatic encephalopathy includes severe manifestations, such as profound confusion, difficulty in arousal, and the presence of rigidity, indicating advanced neurological impairment. This places the patient in Stage 4, which is the most severe stage of hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice B reason:
Stage 3 is characterized by severe symptoms, such as drowsiness, anxiety, seizures, severe personality changes, confused speech, and shaky hands.
Choice C reason:
Stage 1 is characterized by mild symptoms, such as difficulty thinking, personality changes, poor concentration, and problems with handwriting.
Choice D reason
Stage 2 is characterized moderate symptoms, such as confusion, forgetfulness, poor judgment, and a musty or sweet breath odor.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Blood in the urine (hematuria) is not typically associated with cirrhosis. It may be related to other underlying conditions.
Choice B reason:
Spider angiomas (also known as spider nevi) are expected findings in clients with cirrhosis.
They are small, dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin that resemble a spider's web. They can be found on the face, neck, upper trunk, and arms.
Choice C reason:
Tarry stools (melena) can occur in individuals with gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be a complication of cirrhosis. However, it is not a specific finding for cirrhosis itself.
Choice D reason:
Moist skin is not a characteristic finding associated with cirrhosis. It may be related to other factors such as environmental humidity or individual factors like sweating.
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