A female patient presents to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain localized to the right lower quadrant, nausea, and a low-grade fever. After performing a physical examination and diagnostic imaging, the patient is diagnosed with acute appendicitis. What is the most appropriate initial intervention?

Administer intravenous antibiotics and observe the patient for 24 hours.

Provide the patient with oral pain medications and discharge them with a follow-up appointment.

Recommend a liquid diet and bed rest to reduce inflammation.

Prepare the patient for an appendectomy.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Administer intravenous antibiotics and observe the patient for 24 hours: IV antibiotics may be given preoperatively, but observation without surgery is not the standard treatment for confirmed appendicitis due to the risk of rupture.

B. Provide the patient with oral pain medications and discharge them with a follow-up appointment: Oral pain medications are not appropriate as the patient needs surgical intervention. Discharging the patient without surgery could result in life-threatening complications.

C. Recommend a liquid diet and bed rest to reduce inflammation: A liquid diet and bed rest will not address the underlying issue of appendicitis, which requires surgical removal of the inflamed appendix.

D. Prepare the patient for an appendectomy. The standard treatment for acute appendicitis is an appendectomy. Delaying surgery can lead to complications such as perforation, peritonitis, or abscess formation. This is the most appropriate intervention.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "Eating contaminated food or water from an infected source can cause you to become infected with hepatitis C." This applies to hepatitis A, not hepatitis C. Hepatitis A is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, whereas hepatitis C is bloodborne.

B. "Coming into contact with infected blood, such as from that of a dirty needle, can cause you to become infected with hepatitis C." Hepatitis C is primarily spread through blood-to-blood contact, most commonly through sharing needles, blood transfusions before widespread blood screening, or needle-stick injuries.

C. "Coming into contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, such as saliva, can cause you to become infected with hepatitis C." Hepatitis C is not commonly spread through casual contact or saliva. The risk of transmission through bodily fluids other than blood is extremely low.

D. "Consuming a large amount of alcohol at one time can cause you to become infected with hepatitis C." Alcohol does not cause hepatitis C, though it can worsen liver damage in individuals already infected with the virus.

A. Encourage the patient to use an alcohol-based mouthwash to clean the oral cavity. B. Advise the patient to avoid all oral intake until the ulcers heal completely. C. Suggest the patient to brush their teeth vigorously to remove any bacteria from the mouth D. Recommend the patient to consume soft, non-irritating foods and avoid acidic or spicy foods.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Encourage the patient to use an alcohol-based mouthwash to clean the oral cavity:
Alcohol-based mouthwashes can irritate the oral mucosa and worsen the pain of stomatitis. Instead, non-alcoholic, soothing mouth rinses are recommended.

B. Advise the patient to avoid all oral intake until the ulcers heal completely: Patients still need proper nutrition, and complete avoidance of food can lead to malnutrition. Soft, non-irritating foods are encouraged rather than full avoidance.

C. Suggest the patient brush their teeth vigorously to remove any bacteria from the mouth: Vigorous brushing can worsen oral ulcers and lead to further pain and bleeding. A gentle, soft-bristle toothbrush should be recommended.

D. Recommend the patient to consume soft, non-irritating foods and avoid acidic or spicy foods.
Consuming soft, bland, non-irritating foods and avoiding acidic or spicy foods helps reduce discomfort and prevent further irritation of oral ulcers, which is essential in managing stomatitis.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a client who has been newly diagnosed with hepatitis C. The client asks how they could have contracted the virus. Which of the following nurse responses best explains how the client may have become infected with hepatitis C?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A patient undergoing chemotherapy reports painful oral ulcers, difficulty eating, and a metallic taste in the mouth. The nurse suspects stomatitis. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for this patient?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A patient with suspected appendicitis is being prepared for surgery. Which of the following preoperative interventions should the nurse prioritize?

A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a cholecystectomy due to gallstones. The client asks the nurse what caused the gallstones. Which of the following nurse statements best explains the cause of gallstones?

A patient with a history of ulcerative colitis presents to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain, frequent bloody diarrhea, and signs of dehydration. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering during this exacerbation of ulcerative colitis?

A patient with acute pancreatitis is being discharged from the hospital. Which statement made by the patient indicates a need for further teaching regarding their discharge instructions?

Which of the following client statements demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the dietary and lifestyle modifications necessary for managing symptoms associated with a hiatal hernia? (Select all that apply.)

During the diuretic phase of ATN, the nurse should closely monitor the patient for which of the following complications?

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. The nurse should recognize that which of the following actions is the priority?