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. Increase in appetite: Otitis media, an infection or inflammation of the middle ear, typically causes discomfort and pain in infants. As a result, they may experience a decrease in appetite rather than an increase.
B. Tugging on the affected ear lobe: Tugging or pulling on the affected ear lobe is a common sign of ear pain in infants with otitis media. It occurs because the pain from the middle ear extends to the outer ear canal.
C. Erythema and edema of the affected auricle: Otitis media primarily affects the middle ear, so erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) are not typically observed on the outer ear (auricle). Instead, these symptoms are more commonly seen in external ear infections, such as otitis externa.
D. Bluish-green discharge from the ear canal: Bluish-green discharge from the ear canal is not a typical finding in otitis media. It may suggest a secondary bacterial infection or another underlying condition, but it is not a characteristic feature of otitis media.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Patches of baldness: Patches of baldness on the scalp could be indicative of conditions like alopecia areata, a disorder characterized by hair loss in patches. However, it is not a typical manifestation of pediculosis capitis, which primarily presents with scalp itchiness due to lice bites rather than hair loss.
B. Blisters on the scalp: Blisters on the scalp may suggest other conditions such as herpes simplex infection or contact dermatitis. While scratching from head lice infestation could lead to skin irritation, blisters are not a common presentation of pediculosis capitis.
C. Dry patches on the scalp: Dry patches on the scalp might be caused by conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or eczema. While scalp dryness can occur with pediculosis capitis due to irritation from scratching, it is not a specific symptom associated with head lice infestation.
D. Reports of scalp itchiness: Scalp itchiness is a hallmark symptom of pediculosis capitis. It occurs as a result of lice bites and the body's inflammatory response to their saliva. It is the most characteristic and common manifestation of head lice infestation and often prompts further examination for the presence of lice or their eggs (nits).
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today