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
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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Costovertebral tenderness, which is tenderness over the costovertebral angle (where the ribs meet the vertebral column) on palpation, is more indicative of acute pyelonephritis rather than cystitis. In acute pyelonephritis, inflammation of the kidney parenchyma and surrounding tissues can lead to tenderness in this area.
A. Both acute pyelonephritis and cystitis can present with urinary urgency, as it is a common symptom of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in general.
B. Increased WBCs in urinalysis: While an increased number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the urinalysis can indicate a urinary tract infection, it is not specific to either acute pyelonephritis or cystitis.
D. Hematuria can occur in both acute pyelonephritis and cystitis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Obtaining blood and urine specimens for culture and sensitivity is a critical first step. These specimens help identify the causative organism(s) and determine their susceptibility to antibiotics, guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy. Prompt initiation of targeted antibiotic treatment is essential in managing sepsis effectively.
A. This action is important for assessing the presence of any urinary tract stones or debris, which can be helpful in diagnosing the cause of the urinary tract infection. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take in managing a client admitted with sepsis secondary to a urinary tract infection.
C. Administering antibiotics before obtaining appropriate cultures may lead to empirical treatment without knowing the specific pathogen causing the infection. It is important to obtain cultures first to guide antibiotic selection and ensure optimal treatment.
D. Contact precautions may be necessary if the client is found to have a multidrug-resistant organism or if there are specific infection control concerns. However, placing the client on contact precautions is not the first action the nurse should take in managing sepsis secondary to a urinary tract infection.
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