During an abdominal assessment, a client with a temperature of 103° F (39.4° C) experiences pain and abruptly stops inhaling during deep palpation. Which prescription is most important for the nurse to implement?

Initiate NPO status.

Restrict activity to bed rest.

Monitor urinary output.

Obtain an electrocardiogram.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) Initiate NPO status: The client's sudden cessation of breathing during deep palpation of the abdomen suggests peritoneal irritation, which could be indicative of a serious condition such as appendicitis or peritonitis. Initiating NPO (nothing by mouth) status is crucial in case emergency surgery is required to address the underlying abdominal pathology. NPO status helps prevent complications such as aspiration if surgery becomes necessary.

B) Restrict activity to bed rest: While bed rest may be indicated for certain abdominal conditions to reduce discomfort and prevent exacerbation of symptoms, it is not the most immediate priority in this scenario. The priority is addressing the potential need for emergency surgery and ensuring the client's safety.

C) Monitor urinary output: Monitoring urinary output is important for assessing hydration status and renal function, but it is not the most critical intervention in this scenario where peritoneal irritation is suspected.

D) Obtain an electrocardiogram: While an electrocardiogram (ECG) may be warranted in certain situations, such as if the client is experiencing chest pain or symptoms suggestive of cardiac involvement, it is not indicated as the most immediate action in this scenario of acute abdominal pain and potential peritoneal irritation.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Ecchymosis refers to the discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath, typically due to bruising. While ecchymosis can occur for various reasons, the use of oral anticoagulants increases the risk of bleeding and bruising. Therefore, the nurse should further assess the client's use of oral anticoagulants to determine if it is contributing to the observed ecchymosis.

B. Works in a day care center:
Working in a day care center may expose the client to various infectious agents, but it is not directly associated with the development of ecchymosis.

C. Recently had dental surgery:
While dental surgery can sometimes result in minor bleeding and bruising, it is less likely to cause widespread ecchymosis unless there are underlying bleeding disorders or complications.

D. Adheres to a gluten-free diet:
Adhering to a gluten-free diet is not directly related to the development of ecchymosis. However, if the client has celiac disease or another condition requiring a gluten-free diet, the nurse should explore the potential for malabsorption or nutritional deficiencies, which could indirectly contribute to bleeding tendencies.

A. Hypogastric region. B. Epigastric region. C. Umbilical region. D. Hypochondriac region.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Hypogastric region:
The hypogastric region, also known as the suprapubic region, is located below the umbilical region and above the pubic area. Pain in the hypogastric region would be lower in the abdomen than described.

B) Epigastric region:
The epigastric region is located in the upper central part of the abdomen, just below the xiphoid process. Pain localized in the middle section of the abdomen below the xiphoid process is described as occurring in the epigastric region.

C) Umbilical region:
The umbilical region is located around the navel (belly button). Pain in this area would be centered around the umbilicus and not higher up near the xiphoid process.

D) Hypochondriac region:
The hypochondriac regions are located on either side of the epigastric region and below the ribcage. Pain in the hypochondriac region would be more lateral and not centrally located below the xiphoid process.

View Question and Answer

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

During an abdominal assessment, a client with a temperature of 103° F (39.4° C) experiences pain and abruptly stops inhaling during deep palpation. Which prescription is most important for the nurse to implement?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When inspecting the client's skin, the nurse observes several areas of ecchymosis on the trunk and extremities. Which information in the client's history requires additional follow-up by the nurse?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client reports experiencing stomach pain and it is localized in the middle section of the abdomen below the xiphoid process. The nurse should describe the pain as occurring in which region of the abdomen?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

During assessment of a client's abdomen, the nurse observes that the client's umbilicus is depressed and below the surface of the abdomen. Which action should the nurse take in response to this observation?

While assessing the legs of an adult client, the nurse observes leathery-looking skin. The client reports aching, tired legs that swell if standing for long periods of time. To screen for venous insufficiency, the nurse should ask the client if they have experienced which subjective finding?

In assessing a client's neck, the nurse hears a blowing swish when auscultating the area over the left carotid artery, but hears no sound over the right carotid artery. How should the nurse document this finding?

When systematically auscultating a client's anterior breath sounds, the nurse should begin by placing the stethoscope over which location?

While completing an admission assessment for a client with gastrointestinal bleeding, the nurse inspects the perianal area and anus. Which findings indicate a normal appearance of the anus?

An adult client presents with gnawing epigastric pain. The pain is worse when the client is hungry and abates after eating something. Which problem do these symptoms suggest?

The nurse observes an older adult client walking aimlessly in the hallway and staring straight ahead with a blank expression. How should the nurse enter documentation of this finding in the client's electronic medical record (EMR)?

The nurse asks a female client about the proverb "Glass Houses," and she replies, "It will break the windows." Which conclusion should be documented about this client's response?