The nurse assesses a client admitted four hours ago with a diagnosis of diverticulitis. Which clinical manifestation must be reported immediately to the physician?

Temperature-101.2

Bowel sounds change from normoactive to absent

Left lower quadrant discomfort

WBC count is slightly elevated

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

B. Bowel sounds are typically present and indicate normal gastrointestinal motility. A change from normoactive (normal) to absent bowel sounds can indicate bowel obstruction, perforation, or peritonitis, which are serious complications of diverticulitis. This change warrants immediate reporting to the physician as it may indicate a worsening condition requiring urgent intervention.
A. A temperature of 101.2°F (38.4°C) is slightly elevated and may indicate the presence of infection, which is concerning in the context of diverticulitis. Fever is a common symptom of diverticulitis, but an elevated temperature may also suggest worsening infection or the development of complications such as abscess formation or perforation.
C. Left lower quadrant discomfort is a common symptom of diverticulitis due to inflammation in the sigmoid colon, where diverticula are most prevalent. While discomfort is expected in diverticulitis, the severity and persistence of pain should be assessed.
D. An elevated white blood cell (WBC) count is indicative of inflammation or infection and is commonly seen in diverticulitis. However, the significance of the elevation depends on the degree of increase and the presence of other clinical findings.

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

A. Cleans and dries the perianal area after each diarrheal stool: This is the correct option. Effective perianal care for a client with diarrhea, such as ulcerative colitis, involves gentle cleansing and thorough drying of the perianal area after each stool. Proper hygiene helps prevent skin breakdown and irritation caused by prolonged contact with stool.
B. Alcohol can be irritating to the skin and may exacerbate perianal irritation and discomfort. Therefore, using alcohol compresses is not considered an appropriate perianal care practice.
C. While antidiarrheal medications may be prescribed for clients with ulcerative colitis to help manage symptoms, asking for medication after each stool is not a typical or recommended approach. The frequency and timing of antidiarrheal medication administration should be based on healthcare provider recommendations and individual symptom management plans.
D. While Sitz baths can provide relief from perianal discomfort and promote healing, taking an hour-long Sitz bath after each stool may be impractical and excessive. Sitz baths are typically recommended for shorter durations (e.g., 10-20 minutes) and may be used periodically rather than after every stool.

A. eat small frequent meals during the day. B. enroll in smoking cessation classes as needed. C. take omeprazole 30 minutes after meals when acid levels are highest. D. elevate the head of the bed at night. E. eat your largest meal at bedtime.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

A. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the likelihood of gastric distention and decrease the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which can help reduce reflux symptoms.
B. Smoking is a risk factor for GERD as it can weaken the LES and increase acid reflux. Therefore, quitting smoking can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall health.
D. Elevating the head of the bed by 6 to 8 inches can help reduce nighttime reflux symptoms by using gravity to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.
C. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole are typically taken before meals to inhibit acid production and prevent reflux symptoms. Taking omeprazole after meals may not provide optimal acid suppression when it is most needed.
E. Eating a large meal right before bedtime can increase the likelihood of reflux symptoms as lying down after eating can worsen reflux. It is recommended to avoid large meals, particularly before bedtime, to minimize GERD symptoms.

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

The nurse assesses a client admitted four hours ago with a diagnosis of diverticulitis. Which clinical manifestation must be reported immediately to the physician?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse identifies a client problem of impaired skin integrity related to diarrhea for a client who has ulcerative colitis. The nurse recognizes that teaching about perianal care has been effective when the client:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is providing discharge teaching for the client newly diagnosed with GERD. The teaching should Include Instructions to: (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client recently diagnosed with emphysema. What health maintenance Information would the nurse teach the client? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

The nurse determines that instruction regarding prevention of future urinary tract Infections for a female client who has cystitis has not been effective when the client states, "I:

A client with Type 2 diabetes is brought into the emergency room in an unresponsive state. A diagnosis of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic coma (HHNK) is made. The nurse prepares for the administration of which initial therapy?

The nurse is providing follow-up care for a client who was recently diagnosed with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Which problem is the priority for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care?

Which of the following is a common symptom of diverticular disease?

Which of the following is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis?

The nurse is assessing a client who has a large bowel obstruction. Which late clinical finding would the nurse expect?