A client admitted with a diagnosis of appendicitis calls the nurse and states, "Do you think I'll still need surgery? My pain suddenly stopped, and I feel much more comfortable now when I bend my knees." Which action should the nurse take?
Administer intravenous antibiotic.
Place in high Fowler's position.
Determine last dose of analgesic.
Prepare for emergency surgery.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Administer intravenous antibiotic: Antibiotics are often given as part of appendicitis management, but sudden pain relief may indicate appendix rupture. At this point, the priority is rapid surgical intervention, not antibiotics alone.
B. Place in high Fowler's position: Positioning may help with comfort but does not address the urgent complication of a possible perforated appendix. It is a supportive measure, not a definitive response to the change in symptoms.
C. Determine last dose of analgesic: While it is important to know when pain medication was last administered, relying on this alone could delay recognition of a surgical emergency. Sudden absence of pain in appendicitis is rarely due to analgesia but often due to perforation.
D. Prepare for emergency surgery: A sudden decrease in pain in appendicitis is concerning for rupture, as pressure is relieved when the appendix bursts. This is a life-threatening complication requiring immediate surgical evaluation and intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Pasta with fish and an orange: This is the best option because fish provides high-quality protein in moderation, pasta is low in potassium and phosphorus, and an orange provides vitamin C. While oranges contain potassium, a single serving can usually fit within dietary allowances if monitored.
B. Canned ham and green beans: Canned ham is high in sodium and phosphorus additives, both of which are harmful in CKD as they worsen fluid retention and bone-mineral imbalance.
C. Steak and baked potato with butter and cheese topping: Steak is a high-protein food that can increase uremic toxins, and baked potatoes are very high in potassium. The cheese topping adds extra phosphorus, making this meal unsafe for CKD clients.
D. Chicken, yams, pinto beans and pecans: While chicken is acceptable protein, yams and pinto beans are high in potassium, and pecans add excess phosphorus. This combination would increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance in CKD.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Pleural effusion: The combination of crackles, decreased tactile fremitus, and dullness to percussion is most consistent with pleural effusion. Fluid in the pleural space dampens vibration transmission, decreases fremitus, and creates a dull percussion sound while causing adventitious breath sounds.
B. Emphysema: Emphysema typically presents with hyperresonance on percussion due to air trapping, along with diminished breath sounds. Fremitus is decreased as well, but crackles and dullness are not characteristic findings.
C. Bronchitis: Bronchitis may cause crackles or wheezes due to airway inflammation, but tactile fremitus is usually normal or increased, and percussion tones remain resonant. The dullness noted here makes bronchitis unlikely.
D. Pneumothorax: Pneumothorax produces hyperresonant percussion sounds with absent or markedly decreased breath sounds. Fremitus is also decreased, but dullness and crackles are not expected, distinguishing it from pleural effusion.
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