The nurse is monitoring a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of appendicitis who is scheduled for surgery in 2 hours. The client begins to complain of increased abdominal pain and begins to vomit. On assessment, the nurse notes the abdomen is distended and bowel sounds are diminished.
Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

Administer the prescribed medication.

Reposition the client and apply a heating pad on the warm setting to the client’s abdomen.

Call the healthcare provider.

Call and ask the operating room team to perform surgery as soon as possible.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

The client may have a ruptured appendix, which is a life-threatening complication of appendicitis. A ruptured appendix can cause peritonitis, which is an infection of the lining of the abdomen, or an abscess, which is a collection of pus around the appendix. These conditions require immediate medical attention and surgery to remove the appendix and clean the abdominal cavity.

Choice A is wrong because administering the prescribed medication may mask the symptoms of a ruptured appendix and delay diagnosis and treatment.

Choice B is wrong because repositioning the client and applying a heating pad may increase the risk of rupture or spread of infection.

Choice D is wrong because calling the operating room team is not the nurse’s responsibility and may not be feasible depending on the availability of the surgical team and the operating room.

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 D

Explanation

This is because a fall risk wristband alerts the staff and other caregivers that the client is at risk of falling and needs extra precautions and supervision. A walker, a cane, or a chair on either side of the bed are not priority interventions for a fall risk client, as they do not address the root cause of the problem or prevent potential falls.

Choice A is wrong because a walker may not be appropriate for the client’s condition or mobility level, and it may pose a tripping hazard if not used correctly.

Choice B is wrong because placing a chair on either side of the bed may limit the client’s access to the bed or the bathroom, and it may also create clutter and obstruction in the room.

Choice C is wrong because a cane may not provide enough stability or support for the client, and it may also be difficult to use in narrow spaces or on slippery surfaces.

A. Instruct the client to use pursed-lip breathing. B. Plan to have the client lay down for 1 hr after meals. C. Restrict the client’s fluid intake to less than 1 L/day. D. Encourage the client to use the upper chest for respiration.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Pursed-lip breathing is a technique that helps to slow down the breathing rate and keep the airways open longer. This improves gas exchange and reduces the work of breathing. Pursed-lip breathing also helps to prevent air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs, which are common complications of COPD.

Choice B is wrong because laying down for 1 hour after meals can increase the pressure on the diaphragm and make breathing more difficult. It can also increase the risk of aspiration and reflux.

Choice C is wrong because restricting the client’s fluid intake to less than 1 L/day can lead to dehydration and thickening of secretions, which can obstruct the airways and impair gas exchange. Fluid intake should be adequate to maintain hydration and thin secretions.

Choice D is wrong because using the upper chest for respiration is a sign of inefficient breathing and respiratory distress.

It can increase the oxygen demand and cause fatigue. The client should be encouraged to use the diaphragm and abdominal muscles for respiration, which are more efficient and reduce the work of breathing.

Normal ranges for oxygen saturation are 95% to 100%, for arterial blood gas pH are 7.35 to 7.45, for PaCO2 are 35 to 45 mmHg, for PaO2 are 80 to 100 mmHg, and for HCO3 are 22 to 26 mEq/L.

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The RN performs an admission assessment and determines the client is a fall risk. What is a priority nursing intervention for this client?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has COPD. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is cheering on participants in a marathon and one runner collapses nearby. He begins to vomit and complain of a throbbing headache. The nurse notes that he is not sweating, yet his skin is red and very hot to touch, and his pulse is 170 bpm and strong. The nurse knows that:

A nurse is assisting with teaching a newly licensed nurse about ethical principles. The nurse should include that working to not cause harm to a client, while trying to achieve the best possible outcome, is an example of which of the following ethical principles?

The nurse is assigned to care for a client admitted to the hospital with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which medication does the nurse anticipate to decrease this client’s risk for developing a respiratory infection?

A nurse is caring for a client whose family is in a state of disagreement over the care of their family member. The nurse should report the situation to which of the following facility personnel?

A nurse is preparing an in-service presentation about preventing health care associated infections (HAIs). The nurse should include which of the following as a common cause of these infections?

The RN identifies that a client is at risk for impaired skin integrity. Which interventions should the nurse add to this client’s plan of care?

A charge nurse is providing an inservice for staff nurses on the use of new IV pumps. Which of the following actions should the charge nurse take to best evaluate staff competency with the new equipment?