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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Presents with a hacking nonproductive cough of 6 weeks duration:
This documentation accurately describes the client's symptom of a cough but does not capture the client's expressed concern about the possibility of lung cancer. It is important to document the client's specific concerns and fears.

B) Expresses concern of "lung cancer" symptoms for last 6 weeks:
While this option captures the client's concern about lung cancer, it does not specifically describe the client's symptom of a dry cough. Effective documentation should include both the client's expressed concerns and the associated symptoms.

C) An adult male presents with fears that he has "lung cancer":
This option captures the client's fear of having lung cancer but does not describe the specific symptom of a dry cough that the client is experiencing. Including the specific symptom in the documentation is important for comprehensive assessment and evaluation.

D) Describes having a "body wracking dry cough" of 6 weeks duration:
This option effectively documents both the client's specific symptom (dry cough) and the duration of the symptom (6 weeks), which aligns with the client's expressed concerns. It accurately reflects the client's statement and provides valuable information for the healthcare provider's assessment and management.

A. Diabetes mellitus. B. Recent candida infection. C. Iron deficiency anemia. D. Coronary heart disease.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Diabetes mellitus: While diabetes can lead to various complications affecting the nails, such as yellowing or thickening due to poor circulation and infections, it is not typically associated with brittle, concave (spoon-shaped) nails.

B) Recent candida infection: Candida infections can affect the nails, causing them to become discolored, thickened, or separated from the nail bed, but they do not typically cause the nails to become brittle and concave.

C) Iron deficiency anemia: This condition is often associated with brittle, spoon-shaped (concave) nails, known as koilonychia. Iron deficiency anemia affects the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, which can lead to changes in the nail beds, making them appear concave and brittle.

D) Coronary heart disease: While coronary heart disease can lead to changes in the nails due to poor circulation, it is not commonly associated with the specific finding of brittle, concave nails. Other nail changes might include clubbing or cyanosis, but not typically koilonychia.

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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

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse observes the presence of brittle, concave curves to the nails of a client on assessment. Which information should the nurse obtain from the client that may explain the appearance of the nails?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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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?