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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
A. "I will try not to gain weight." Weight gain can increase pressure on the diaphragm and abdomen, worsening symptoms of hiatal hernia. Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce this pressure.
B. “I will sleep with the head of my bed elevated." Elevating the head of the bed helps prevent stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus while lying down, a common issue in both hiatal hernia and GERD.
C. "I will drink less fluid": Reducing fluid intake is not a recommended strategy for managing hiatal hernia symptoms. Fluid is essential for digestion and overall health.
D. "I will lie down for one half hour after meals": Lying down after meals can worsen reflux symptoms because gravity is no longer helping keep stomach contents in place. Patients should remain upright after eating.
E. "I will consume less caffeine and spicy foods." Caffeine and spicy foods can increase acid production and irritate the esophagus, worsening symptoms of hiatal hernia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Dehydration: While dehydration is a possible complication in ulcerative colitis, it does not explain the symptoms of fatigue and pallor.
B. Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia is not typically associated with chronic blood loss and would present with symptoms like muscle weakness or arrhythmias.
C. Iron-deficiency anemia: Chronic blood loss from frequent diarrhea and ulceration of the colon in ulcerative colitis can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, causing symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and pallor.
D. Electrolyte imbalance: While electrolyte imbalances may occur with ulcerative colitis, they do not directly cause fatigue, dizziness, and pallor related to chronic blood loss.
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