Which of the following nursing diagnoses would the nurse be LEAST likely to choose for a patient with appendicitis?

Choice A is correct because maintaining a regular sleep routine can help regulate your circadian rhythm, which is your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. This can improve the quality and quantity of your sleep and reduce daytime sleepiness.

Choice B is wrong because eating three large meals a day can cause fluctuations in your blood sugar levels, which can affect your energy levels. It is better to eat smaller, more frequent meals and snacks that contain a balance of protein and carbohydrates to keep your blood sugar stable and provide sustained energy. Choice C is correct because limiting refined sugar, fried foods and processed foods can help prevent fatigue by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in your body.

These foods can also cause spikes and crashes in your blood sugar levels, which can make you feel tired and hungry. Instead, you should eat more anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and fish.

Choice D is correct because taking daily walks can help prevent fatigue by increasing your blood circulation, oxygen delivery and endorphin production. Exercise can also improve your mood, sleep quality and immune system.

Choice E is wrong because increasing caffeine intake can have the opposite effect of preventing fatigue.

Caffeine is a stimulant that can temporarily boost your energy levels, but it can also disrupt your sleep, cause dehydration, increase anxiety and lead to withdrawal symptoms

This is the nurse’s priority because it will help determine the severity of the client’s difficulty breathing and guide the appropriate interventions. According to the Mayo Clinic, oxygen therapy for COPD is indicated when there is not enough oxygen in the blood, which can be measured by a pulse oximeter or a blood gas test. Increasing the oxygen flow without assessing the oxygen level could be harmful or ineffective. Having the client cough and expectorate secretions may help clear the airway, but it is not the first action to take. Calling emergency services may be necessary if the client’s condition is life threatening, but it should not be done before assessing the respiratory status.

Choice A is wrong because it does not address the immediate need of assessing the respiratory status and may cause unnecessary panic or delay in treatment.

Choice B is wrong because it does not follow the guidelines for oxygen therapy for COPD, which require a prescription and monitoring of oxygen levels.

Increasing the oxygen flow without assessing the oxygen level could cause oxygen toxicity or suppress the respiratory drive.

Choice C is wrong because it is not the most urgent action to take.

Having the client cough and expectorate secretions may help clear the airway, but it may also increase the work of breathing and worsen hypoxia.

Assessing the respiratory status should come first.

Normal ranges for oxygen saturation are 95% to 100% for healthy individuals and 88% to 92% for most people with COPD. Normal ranges for blood gas tests vary depending on the laboratory, but generally, normal values for arterial blood gas are: pH 7.35 to 7.45, PaCO2 35 to 45 mm Hg, PaO2 80 to 100 mm Hg, HCO3 22 to 26 mEq/L.