A patient with suspected appendicitis is being prepared for surgery. Which of the following preoperative interventions should the nurse prioritize?
Apply a heating pad to the abdomen
Administer a cleansing enema
Administer oral analgesics as needed
Place the patient on NPO status
The Correct Answer is D
A. Apply a heating pad to the abdomen: This is incorrect and potentially harmful, as applying heat to the abdomen can increase blood flow and worsen inflammation or risk rupture of the appendix.
B. Administer a cleansing enema: Enemas should not be administered for suspected appendicitis as they may cause irritation and increase the risk of perforation.
C. Administer oral analgesics as needed: Oral analgesics are contraindicated since the patient should be NPO, and strong pain relief might mask the symptoms of a ruptured appendix.
D. Place the patient on NPO status: The highest priority preoperative intervention is to place the patient on NPO (nothing by mouth) status to prevent aspiration during anesthesia, a standard preoperative practice, especially for abdominal surgeries.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Dumping Syndrome: Dumping syndrome is a common complication following gastrectomy, where food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine. Symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, and sweating, particularly after meals, are characteristic of this condition.
B. Peptic Ulcer Disease: While this can occur after gastrectomy, it typically presents with epigastric pain rather than weakness and dizziness after eating.
C. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD typically presents with heartburn and acid regurgitation, not the postprandial weakness and sweating seen in dumping syndrome.
D. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS symptoms usually include bloating, abdominal discomfort, and altered bowel habits, which are different from the described symptoms.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Incontinence: Incontinence is not a typical symptom of renal calculi. Pain, urgency, and difficulty urinating are more common.
B. Gastrointestinal upset: Nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal upset can occur as a result of renal colic due to the proximity of the kidneys to the gastrointestinal system.
C. Urinary urgency: Clients with renal calculi may experience urinary urgency due to irritation of the urinary tract.
D. Fever: Fever may indicate an infection related to the obstruction caused by the stone, such as pyelonephritis.
E. Flank pain: Flank pain, often severe and radiating to the lower abdomen or groin, is a classic symptom of renal calculi as the stone moves through the urinary tract.
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