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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
When advising a new mother in caring for a child with croup, the symptom that should be a priority concern to the telephone triage nurse is B.
Explanation:
A. A fever of 101.0°F (38.3°C) is a common symptom in many childhood illnesses, including croup, but it is not the primary concern when difficulty swallowing secretions is present.
B Difficulty swallowing secretions.
Croup is characterized by a barking cough and may also be associated with stridor (noisy breathing), hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing secretions. While all the symptoms mentioned can be concerning, difficulty swallowing secretions is a priority concern because it can potentially lead to respiratory distress if not managed appropriately. Thick secretions can cause airway obstruction, and prompt assessment and intervention are needed to ensure the child's airway remains clear and that the child is able to breathe effectively.
C. A barking cough, worse at night, is a classic symptom of croup and should be addressed, but difficulty swallowing secretions can have a more direct impact on the child's airway.
D. Crying often when nursing may be related to the discomfort caused by croup, but it is not as immediately concerning as difficulty swallowing secretions.
While the barking cough, hoarseness, and other croup symptoms should also be addressed, the priority is ensuring that the child is able to manage secretions effectively without respiratory distress. The telephone triage nurse should provide guidance to the mother on how to help the child manage these secretions and when to seek medical attention if the situation worsens.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Osteosarcoma.
The presentation of localized knee pain, especially when it worsens at night, along with swelling, tenderness, and the presence of radial ossification in the soft tissues, raises concerns about the possibility of osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor that commonly occurs in the long bones of the body, such as the femur, and often presents with these clinical features.
B. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that results from the breakdown of muscle tissue and typically presents with symptoms such as muscle pain, weakness, and dark urine due to the release of muscle proteins into the bloodstream. It is not the likely cause of the findings described.
C. Growing pains are typically characterized by intermittent, mild, and diffuse musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in children and adolescents. They do not typically involve localized knee pain, swelling, or tenderness.
D. Hemosiderosis refers to the accumulation of iron in the body and is not typically associated with the described findings or symptoms.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.