A 9-year-old admitted to the unit with severe abdominal pain and fever is diagnosed with appendicitis and is placed on the surgery schedule for an appendectomy. The child reports to the nurse of experiencing sudden relief in abdominal pain. Which action should the nurse take first?
Document the client's relief of pain.
Inquire about the client's last meal.
Give prescribed intravenous antibiotics.
Contact the healthcare provider.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Documenting the client's relief of pain is important for the medical record but is not the first priority in this situation. The immediate concern is to determine the cause of the sudden pain relief and ensure the child's well-being.
B. Inquiring about the client's last meal is important for pre-operative considerations, but it is not the first action to take when sudden relief of abdominal pain is reported.
C. Giving prescribed intravenous antibiotics may be part of the treatment plan, but it should not be the first action when the child experiences sudden relief of abdominal pain. Contacting the healthcare provider to assess the situation is more urgent.
D Contact the healthcare provider.
In the case of a child diagnosed with appendicitis, sudden relief in abdominal pain can be concerning. This might indicate that the appendix has ruptured, leading to the spread of infection into the abdominal cavity, which can be a critical situation. It's essential for the healthcare provider to be informed immediately so they can assess the child's condition, order any necessary interventions, and potentially expedite the surgical procedure if required.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The mother being a single parent and living with her parents may have an impact on the family dynamics and support system but is not the most significant finding when it comes to addressing the baby's sleep issues.
B. The baby being irritable during feedings is important information and should be addressed, but it may not be the most significant finding when it comes to the baby's sleep patterns.
C. The diaper area shows severe skin breakdown.
Severe skin breakdown in the diaper area can be indicative of several issues, including frequent diaper changes, diaper rash, or potential underlying health concerns. This finding suggests that the infant may have discomfort or pain related to the diaper area, which could be contributing to the baby's nighttime awakenings and sleep disturbances.
D. The infant's formula being changed twice may be relevant, but it is not as significant as severe skin breakdown, which can indicate immediate discomfort for the baby.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Administering pain medication based on the FACES pain scale is not the most relevant intervention in the preoperative period for a Wilms' tumor. Pain management may be addressed postoperatively, as needed.
B. Including the prone position in the every 2-hour turning schedule may not be the most appropriate intervention, as it may not be suitable for an infant with a Wilms' tumor, considering the location and potential size of the tumor.
C. Careful bathing and handling that avoids abdominal manipulation.
Wilms' tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is a pediatric kidney cancer. Prior to surgery, it's crucial to handle the infant with care and avoid any abdominal manipulation to prevent any further complications or disruption to the tumor. This involves gentle handling and avoiding activities that may put pressure on the tumor or cause discomfort to the infant.
D. Giving antiemetic medications to prevent nausea and vomiting is a potential intervention, but it may be more relevant in the postoperative period, and its necessity would depend on the infant's individual condition and the surgical plan.
The priority during the preoperative period for an infant with a Wilms' tumor is to handle the infant carefully and avoid any actions that could exacerbate the condition or cause discomfort. The specific surgical plan and other preoperative preparations would be determined by the healthcare provider.
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