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 C
Explanation
C. Decrease the rate to 27.1 mL/hr until the new bag is brought to the unit: This option is a suitable approach to conserve the remaining TPN solution until the new bag arrives. By halving the infusion rate, the remaining volume of TPN will last longer, ensuring the client continues to receive some nutrition and fluid support while awaiting the delivery of the new bag.
A. While it's important to inform the healthcare team about the low volume of TPN remaining, it may not require immediate physician intervention unless the situation worsens or alternative actions need to be taken.
B. Notifying the pharmacy when the bag is empty is a reasonable action, as they can prepare and deliver the next infusion bag promptly. However, it does not address the immediate need for fluid and nutrition replacement.
D. D10W (dextrose 10% in water) can help prevent hypoglycemia and provide some energy, but it does not provide the full nutritional support that TPN does. However, it can be a reasonable short- term measure while waiting for the replacement TPN bag.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Rebound tenderness on abdominal palpation: Rebound tenderness, where pain increases upon release of pressure during abdominal palpation, is a classic sign of peritonitis, which can occur due to a peptic ulcer perforation. It indicates irritation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, which can occur when stomach contents leak into the peritoneal cavity.
A. Numbness in the legs is not typically associated with perforation of a peptic ulcer. Perforation of a peptic ulcer usually presents with localized abdominal symptoms rather than symptoms in the legs.
C. Projectile vomiting of undigested food is not typically associated with perforation of a peptic ulcer. It is more commonly seen in conditions such as pyloric stenosis or gastrointestinal obstruction.
D. Jaundice, a yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera, is not typically associated with perforation of a peptic ulcer.
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