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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Encouraging the patient to drink ginger tea for nausea: While ginger tea may help with nausea in some cases, it is not an appropriate intervention for acute cholecystitis, which requires more aggressive management.
B. Applying ice packs to the abdomen: Ice packs are not a standard treatment for acute cholecystitis and would not effectively alleviate the patient’s pain or inflammation.
C. Administering prescribed intravenous analgesics: The most appropriate intervention is to administer prescribed intravenous analgesics to relieve pain in patients with acute cholecystitis. Pain management is a priority to alleviate discomfort while awaiting further treatment, such as surgery or antibiotics.
D. Advising the patient to eat small, frequent meals: Dietary changes like eating small, frequent meals may be advised after the acute phase to prevent future attacks, but they are not appropriate for addressing acute symptoms.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A low-fat diet: A low-fat diet is recommended for clients with chronic cholecystitis to reduce the workload on the gallbladder and prevent biliary colic, which can be triggered by the digestion of fats.
B. A low-sodium diet: While a low-sodium diet may be recommended for other conditions, it is not specifically indicated for biliary colic or cholecystitis.
C. A high-fiber diet: Although fiber is beneficial for overall health, it does not directly prevent biliary colic related to cholecystitis.
D. A high-protein diet:A high-protein diet is not recommended for biliary colic. Fat content is the primary concern, not protein.
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.