The nurse assesses a client admitted four hours ago with a diagnosis of diverticulitis. Which clinical manifestation must be reported immediately to the physician?
Temperature-101.2
Bowel sounds change from normoactive to absent
Left lower quadrant discomfort
WBC count is slightly elevated
The Correct Answer is B
B. Bowel sounds are typically present and indicate normal gastrointestinal motility. A change from normoactive (normal) to absent bowel sounds can indicate bowel obstruction, perforation, or peritonitis, which are serious complications of diverticulitis. This change warrants immediate reporting to the physician as it may indicate a worsening condition requiring urgent intervention.
A. A temperature of 101.2°F (38.4°C) is slightly elevated and may indicate the presence of infection, which is concerning in the context of diverticulitis. Fever is a common symptom of diverticulitis, but an elevated temperature may also suggest worsening infection or the development of complications such as abscess formation or perforation.
C. Left lower quadrant discomfort is a common symptom of diverticulitis due to inflammation in the sigmoid colon, where diverticula are most prevalent. While discomfort is expected in diverticulitis, the severity and persistence of pain should be assessed.
D. An elevated white blood cell (WBC) count is indicative of inflammation or infection and is commonly seen in diverticulitis. However, the significance of the elevation depends on the degree of increase and the presence of other clinical findings.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Crohn's disease is a chronic condition for which there is currently no cure. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and preventing complications through medications, lifestyle changes
A. Crohn's disease is a chronic condition that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, and surgical removal of affected portions does not eliminate the underlying disease process.
B. While some individuals with Crohn's disease may require surgery resulting in an ostomy, it is not true that most people with Crohn's will need this intervention. Many individuals with Crohn's can manage their symptoms with medications and lifestyle modifications without the need for surgery.
C. Crohn's disease is a chronic illness with unpredictable flare-ups and periods of remission. Managing symptoms and maintaining a good quality of life often require ongoing medical management and lifestyle adjustments.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Cleans and dries the perianal area after each diarrheal stool: This is the correct option. Effective perianal care for a client with diarrhea, such as ulcerative colitis, involves gentle cleansing and thorough drying of the perianal area after each stool. Proper hygiene helps prevent skin breakdown and irritation caused by prolonged contact with stool.
B. Alcohol can be irritating to the skin and may exacerbate perianal irritation and discomfort. Therefore, using alcohol compresses is not considered an appropriate perianal care practice.
C. While antidiarrheal medications may be prescribed for clients with ulcerative colitis to help manage symptoms, asking for medication after each stool is not a typical or recommended approach. The frequency and timing of antidiarrheal medication administration should be based on healthcare provider recommendations and individual symptom management plans.
D. While Sitz baths can provide relief from perianal discomfort and promote healing, taking an hour-long Sitz bath after each stool may be impractical and excessive. Sitz baths are typically recommended for shorter durations (e.g., 10-20 minutes) and may be used periodically rather than after every stool.
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