A patient with suspected appendicitis is being prepared for surgery. Which of the following preoperative interventions should the nurse prioritize?

Apply a heating pad to the abdomen

Administer a cleansing enema

Administer oral analgesics as needed

Place the patient on NPO status

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Apply a heating pad to the abdomen: This is incorrect and potentially harmful, as applying heat to the abdomen can increase blood flow and worsen inflammation or risk rupture of the appendix.

B. Administer a cleansing enema: Enemas should not be administered for suspected appendicitis as they may cause irritation and increase the risk of perforation.

C. Administer oral analgesics as needed: Oral analgesics are contraindicated since the patient should be NPO, and strong pain relief might mask the symptoms of a ruptured appendix.

D. Place the patient on NPO status: The highest priority preoperative intervention is to place the patient on NPO (nothing by mouth) status to prevent aspiration during anesthesia, a standard preoperative practice, especially for abdominal surgeries.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. The patients have lowered their cholesterol levels from previous laboratory results: Lower cholesterol levels are a positive health outcome but could result from factors other than weight loss, such as medication or diet changes. It is a good sign but not the most direct measure of the intervention's success.

B. The patients have improved blood pressure readings to be within expected reference range: Blood pressure improvements are important and can result from weight loss, but other factors like medications could influence this outcome.

C. The patients are choosing healthier food options for their diet plans: While choosing healthier food options is a positive behavior change, it is a process measure rather than an outcome. It does not necessarily indicate the interventions are working as effectively as a decrease in BMI.

D. There is a significant decrease in the patients' BMI measurements. A significant reduction in BMI is the most direct indicator of effective weight-loss interventions. A decrease in BMI reflects a measurable outcome that directly relates to weight loss.

A. Dehydration B. Hyperkalemia C. Iron-deficiency anemia D. Electrolyte imbalance

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Dehydration: While dehydration is a possible complication in ulcerative colitis, it does not explain the symptoms of fatigue and pallor.

B. Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia is not typically associated with chronic blood loss and would present with symptoms like muscle weakness or arrhythmias.

C. Iron-deficiency anemia: Chronic blood loss from frequent diarrhea and ulceration of the colon in ulcerative colitis can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, causing symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and pallor.

D. Electrolyte imbalance: While electrolyte imbalances may occur with ulcerative colitis, they do not directly cause fatigue, dizziness, and pallor related to chronic blood loss.

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A patient with suspected appendicitis is being prepared for surgery. Which of the following preoperative interventions should the nurse prioritize?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse practicing population health works for a local hospital's weight-loss program for bariatric patients. After assisting to implement various health-style changes in their care plans, which of the following findings would indicate to the nurse that the interventions are working?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A patient with a history of ulcerative colitis presents to the clinic with complaints of fatigue, dizziness, and pallor. Upon further assessment, you suspect chronic blood loss. Which potential complication is most likely contributing to these symptoms?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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