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.
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because hypokalemia (low potassium level in the blood) can cause abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia) that can be life-threatening and require urgent medical attention. A cardiac monitor can help detect and treat any arrhythmia that may occur.
Choice B is wrong because administering a laxative can worsen hypokalemia by causing more potassium loss through the digestive tract. Laxative use is one of the possible causes of hypokalemia.
Choice C is wrong because placing the client on seizure precautions is not a priority intervention for hypokalemia. Seizures are not a common symptom of hypokalemia, although muscle weakness and cramps may occur.
Choice D is wrong because restricting high potassium foods is not a priority intervention for hypokalemia. In fact, increasing potassium intake through foods or supplements may be helpful in less serious cases of hypokalemia. However, this should be done according to the doctor’s recommendation and with careful monitoring of blood potassium levels.
Normal blood potassium levels for an adult range from 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A very low potassium level (less than 2.5 mmol/L) can be life threatening.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is because the fight-or-flight response activates the sympathetic nervous system, which causes the pupils to dilate to allow more light and improve vision.
Choice A is wrong because the fight-or-flight response increases blood pressure by constricting blood vessels and increasing heart rate.
Choice B is wrong because the fight-or-flight response causes bronchial airway dilation to allow more oxygen intake and facilitate breathing.
Choice C is wrong because the fight-or-flight response causes hyperglycemia by stimulating the release of glucose from the liver and muscles to provide energy.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg, for blood glucose are 70 mg/dL to 100 mg/dL, and for pupil size are 2 mm to 6 mm.
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