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 B
Explanation
According to the National Institute on Aging, health care providers play an important role in recognizing and reporting elder abuse. They have a legal and ethical obligation to report any suspected cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities. Reporting is not voluntary for health care workers.
Choice A is wrong because reporting is not voluntary for health care workers. Choice C is wrong because civil liability cannot result if the abuse can’t be proven. Health care providers are protected by immunity laws when they report suspected abuse in good faith.
Choice D is wrong because evidence of abuse does not need to be collected prior to reporting. Health care providers should report any signs or symptoms of abuse, even if they are not conclusive.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Replacing wet clothing with dry clothing is an independent nursing intervention that can help prevent further heat loss and gradually warm the patient. Soaking extremities in hot water (choice A) is not recommended because it can cause vasodilation and hypotension. Administering warmed intravenous fluids (choice B) and administering hot whirlpool therapy (choice C) are not independent nursing interventions because they require a physician’s order. They are also not appropriate for mild to moderate hypothermia because they can cause rapid rewarming and cardiac dysrhythmias.
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