A client has been brought to the emergency department with abdominal pain and is subsequently diagnosed with appendicitis. The client is scheduled for an appendectomy but questions the nurse about how his health will be affected by the absence of an appendix. How should the nurse best respond?
The surgeon will encourage you to limit your fat intake for a few weeks after the surgery, but your body will then begin to compensate.
Your appendix doesn't play a major role so you won't notice any difference after your recovery from surgery.
Your body will absorb slightly fewer nutrients from the food you eat, but you won't be aware of this.
Your small intestine will adapt over time to the absence of your appendix.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This statement is not the best response for the nurse to give. The surgeon will not encourage the client to limit their fat intake after an appendectomy, as this has nothing to do with the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch attached to the beginning of the large intestine, not the small intestine where most of the fat digestion and absorption occurs.
Choice B reason: This statement is not the best response for the nurse to give. The appendix does play a role in the immune system and the gut microbiome, as it contains lymphoid tissue and beneficial bacteria. The client may notice some changes in their immunity or digestion after an appendectomy, especially if they have an infection or take antibiotics.
Choice C reason: This statement is not the best response for the nurse to give. The appendix does not affect the absorption of nutrients from the food the client eats, as it is not involved in the digestive process. The appendix is located at the end of the small intestine, where most of the nutrients have already been absorbed.
Choice D reason: This statement is the best response for the nurse to give. The appendix is not essential for survival, and the small intestine can adapt to its removal over time. The client may experience some temporary symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, or gas after an appendectomy, but these usually resolve within a few weeks. The nurse should reassure the client that they can live a normal and healthy life without an appendix.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Including foods high in starch and proteins is not a specific dietary instruction for a client who has biliary colic from chronic cholecystitis. Starch and protein intake may vary depending on the client's overall nutritional needs and preferences.
Choice B reason: Including foods high in fiber is a general dietary recommendation for most people, but it is not directly related to biliary colic or cholecystitis. Fiber helps with bowel regularity and may lower the risk of some chronic diseases, but it does not affect the production or flow of bile.
Choice C reason: Avoiding foods high in sodium is a dietary instruction for clients who have hypertension, heart failure, or kidney disease, but it is not relevant for biliary colic or cholecystitis. Sodium intake does not influence the formation or dissolution of gallstones, which are the main cause of biliary colic.
Choice D reason: Avoiding foods high in fat is a dietary instruction for clients who have biliary colic from chronic cholecystitis. Fat intake stimulates the contraction of the gallbladder, which can cause pain and inflammation if there are gallstones blocking the bile ducts. Reducing fat intake can help prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of biliary colic episodes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Sudden abdominal pain is a sign of gastrointestinal perforation, which is a life-threatening complication of peptic ulcer disease. It occurs when the ulcer erodes through the wall of the stomach or duodenum, causing leakage of gastric contents into the peritoneal cavity. This causes inflammation, infection, and peritonitis.
Choice B reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds are not indicative of gastrointestinal perforation. They may be present in other conditions, such as gastroenteritis, intestinal obstruction, or diarrhea.
Choice C reason: Bradycardia is not indicative of gastrointestinal perforation. It may be caused by other factors, such as vagal stimulation, medication side effects, or cardiac disorders.
Choice D reason: Decreased blood pressure is not indicative of gastrointestinal perforation. It may be a result of other causes, such as hypovolemia, shock, or dehydration.
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