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 C
Explanation
A. "There are a few causes of this condition and they tell me my child has crossed eyes because of a muscle imbalance.": This statement demonstrates the mother's comprehension of the cause of strabismus, which can indeed result from a muscle imbalance affecting the alignment of the eyes. Understanding the cause is essential for the mother to grasp the rationale behind treatment interventions.
B. "I will have my child wear an eye patch over the good eye to help strengthen the weak eye.": Patching the stronger eye is a common treatment approach for strabismus to encourage the weaker eye to become stronger and improve alignment. The mother's statement indicates her awareness of this treatment modality.
C. "My child will outgrow this by the time he is 2 years old and be able to see just fine.": While some cases of strabismus may improve as a child grows, not all cases resolve spontaneously. This statement suggests the mother's belief in the possibility of spontaneous resolution, which may be accurate in some instances but not guaranteed for all cases of strabismus.
D. "If this eye patch does not work I know we will have to do surgery to correct my child's crossed eyes.": Surgery is indeed an option for correcting strabismus, especially if conservative measures like patching do not yield satisfactory results. The mother's understanding of this potential treatment escalation reflects her grasp of the condition's management plan.
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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