A school-age child in an emergency department has a 2-day history of nausea and vomiting and reports severe right lower quadrant pain. A nurse is preparing the child for an appendectomy. Which of the following statements by the child should the nurse find most concerning?
"My belly doesn't hurt anymore."
"I am hungry and thirsty."
"I'm tired and want to take a nap."
"I am scared and I want to go home."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "My belly doesn't hurt anymore."
- This statement is concerning because sudden relief from severe right lower quadrant pain in a child with a history of nausea, vomiting, and suspected appendicitis may indicate a rupture or perforation of the appendix. When the appendix ruptures, there may be a temporary alleviation of pain due to the release of pressure. However, this situation is critical and requires immediate medical attention to prevent further complications such as peritonitis or sepsis.
B. "I am hungry and thirsty."
- While it's normal for a child to feel hungry and thirsty, especially if they have been experiencing nausea and vomiting, this statement is not necessarily concerning on its own. However, in the context of suspected appendicitis and severe right lower quadrant pain, it's important for the child to remain NPO (nothing by mouth) to prevent complications in case surgery is needed.
C. "I'm tired and want to take a nap."
- Feeling tired and wanting to rest is not uncommon, especially if the child has been experiencing discomfort or pain for a prolonged period. While this statement may indicate fatigue, it's not inherently concerning in the context of suspected appendicitis. However, it's important for the nurse to monitor the child's energy level and overall condition.
D. "I am scared and I want to go home."
- It's understandable for a child to feel scared or anxious, particularly when facing a medical procedure such as surgery. While this statement reflects the child's emotions, it doesn't necessarily indicate a change in their medical condition. However, it's important for the nurse to address the child's fears and provide emotional support while ensuring that the child receives appropriate medical care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "I know this can be embarrassing. I have kids myself so I understand, and it doesn't bother me."
This response acknowledges the child's feelings and reassures the parents that bedwetting is a common occurrence, especially during hospitalization. It also demonstrates empathy by sharing a personal experience. However, it may not address the parents' concerns about their child's bedwetting or provide information on how to manage it.
B. "Children who are hospitalized often regress. The toileting skills will return when your child is feeling better."
This response provides an explanation for the bedwetting incident, reassuring the parents that it is a common response to hospitalization and will likely resolve once the child feels better. It offers support and normalization of the behavior, which can help alleviate the parents' concerns.
C. "I will discuss your child's loss of bladder control with the provider."
This response indicates that the nurse will address the issue with the healthcare provider, which is appropriate if further evaluation or intervention is needed. However, it may not directly address the parents' concerns or provide immediate reassurance.
D. "Why is she wetting the bed in the hospital? She must wet the bed at home."
This response may come across as accusatory or judgmental, which can increase parental anxiety or guilt. It does not provide reassurance or support to the parents and does not address the child's immediate needs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Drooling - Drooling is not typically associated with intussusception. Intussusception is a condition where one portion of the intestine telescopes into another, leading to bowel obstruction and subsequent symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and "currant jelly" stools.
B. Increased appetite - Increased appetite is unlikely in a toddler with intussusception. Instead, affected toddlers may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy, which can lead to decreased appetite.
C. Mucus in stools - Mucus in stools is a characteristic finding in intussusception. As the telescoping of the intestine causes irritation and inflammation, mucus may be passed in the stool along with blood and, in some cases, a characteristic "currant jelly" appearance.
D. Jaundice - Jaundice is not a typical manifestation of intussusception. It may be present in conditions affecting the liver or bile ducts, such as biliary atresia or obstructive jaundice, but it is not a direct symptom of intussusception.
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