A nurse is caring for a school-age child who has appendicitis. For which of the following findings should the nurse monitor as a manifestation of a perforated appendix and report to the provider?
Elevated temperature
Lethargy
Decreased abdominal girth
Bradycardia
The Correct Answer is A
A nurse caring for a school-age child who has appendicitis should monitor for several manifestations of a perforated appendix and report to the provider. According to my sources, one of the major complications of appendicitis is the perforation of the appendix, which can lead to peritonitis, abscess formation, or portal pylephlebitis. Perforation generally occurs 24 hours after the onset of pain. Symptoms include a fever of 37.7⁰C or greater, a toxic appearance, and continued abdominal pain or tenderness.
B- Lethargy is not mentioned as a manifestation of a perforated appendix.
C- Decreased abdominal girth is not mentioned as a manifestation of a perforated appendix.
D- Bradycardia, which refers to a slower than normal heart rate, is also not mentioned as a manifestation of a perforated appendix.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
When collecting data from a child with pertussis (whooping cough), the nurse should expect the following manifestations:
- Paroxysmal cough: The hallmark symptom of pertussis is a severe, uncontrollable cough that often occurs in bursts (paroxysms) followed by a characteristic "whooping" sound as the child inhales.
- Posttussive vomiting: The coughing spells can be so severe that they may lead to vomiting.
- Inspiratory whoop: As mentioned earlier, during the inhalation phase after a coughing episode, the child may make a distinctive whooping sound.
- Cyanosis: The prolonged coughing episodes can sometimes cause the child's face to turn blue (cyanosis) due to inadequate oxygen intake.
- Fatigue and exhaustion: The frequent and intense coughing episodes can be exhausting for the child, leading to fatigue and sleep disturbances.
Other possible manifestations of pertussis can include a mild fever, runny nose, and sneezing. However, these symptoms are less specific to pertussis and can be seen in other respiratory infections as well.
The manifestations listed in the question (beefy, red tongue; facial erythema; peeling of the hands and feet) are not typically associated with pertussis and may be indicative of other conditions or diseases. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Budesonide is a corticosteroid inhaler used for long-term management of asthma. It helps to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms. Rinsing the mouth and gargling with water after using a corticosteroid inhaler can help reduce the risk of developing oral thrush, a fungal infection.
The other statements are incorrect and indicate a misunderstanding of the teaching:
"I will take my inhaler treatment before each meal and at bedtime": Budesonide is not typically used before meals or at bedtime. It is usually taken on a regular schedule, as prescribed by the healthcare provider, to provide long-term control of asthma symptoms.
Using the inhaler before exercising is important because physical activity can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals. By using the inhaler before exercise, the client can help prevent exercise-induced asthma symptoms. However, this depends on the degree of difficulty of the exercise.
"I should use my inhaler when I have an asthma attack": Budesonide is not a rescue inhaler for immediate relief of asthma symptoms during an asthma attack. It is a controlled medication meant to be used regularly to prevent symptoms from occurring.
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