The nurse assesses a young adult female who was brought to the emergency department (ED) by her boyfriend because she has not been feeling well all day and he believes she is getting worse. Which finding supports the nurse's suspicion that the client is experiencing appendicitis?

Sudden onset of severe anxiety, fear, and concern.

Periumbilical pain localizing to right lower quadrant.

Diffuse abdominal pain with elevated neutrophil count.

Anorexia progressing to nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   While anxiety and fear can accompany many medical conditions, they are not typically associated with appendicitis. Appendicitis is characterized by physical symptoms like pain and digestive disturbances rather than emotional symptoms.
B.   Periumbilical pain that shifts to the right lower quadrant is the classic presentation of appendicitis. As the inflammation progresses, pain tends to move from the mid-abdomen to the lower right abdomen, which supports a diagnosis of appendicitis.
C.   Diffuse abdominal pain is less specific and could indicate a variety of conditions. While an elevated neutrophil count can suggest infection or inflammation, the localized pain seen in appendicitis is a more distinguishing feature.
D.   These symptoms are also common in appendicitis, as it typically presents with loss of appetite, nausea, and fever. However, the hallmark symptom is localized pain, particularly in the right lower quadrant, making B a stronger indication.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. This is not applicable in this case. A BMI of 14 kg/m² indicates severe malnutrition, not excess nutrition. The client is at risk for nutritional deficiencies, not an excess of nutrition.
B. While fluid volume might be a concern in severely malnourished clients, the primary issue in this scenario is related to nutrition rather than fluid imbalance. A low BMI suggests insufficient caloric intake.
C. Excess fluid volume is not typically associated with a low BMI. In fact, clients with a BMI this low may show signs of dehydration or fluid loss due to inadequate nutritional intake.
D. This is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis. A BMI of 14 kg/m² is indicative of severe malnutrition and the client is not meeting their nutritional needs, which could lead to further health complications.

A. Blowing, hollow sounds above sternum. B. Slight crackling throughout lung fields. C. Faint whistling over both lung bases. D. Right breath sounds louder than left.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Blowing or hollow sounds above the sternum are abnormal and may suggest a condition like aortic or pulmonary disease. Such sounds are not typical during routine chest auscultation and may indicate pathology like bronchial obstruction or an abnormal vascular sound.
B. Slight crackling sounds, also known as "rales" or "crackles," may be indicative of fluid accumulation in the lungs, often seen in conditions like pneumonia or congestive heart failure. These are not considered normal findings and warrant further evaluation.
C. Faint whistling sounds may be indicative of wheezing, which is often a sign of airway narrowing or obstruction, as seen in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Wheezing is not typically considered normal and should be investigated further.
D. Right-sided breath sounds being louder than the left could be a normal finding in certain individuals, depending on factors like body position or anatomical variations. In a healthy individual, this difference may not indicate pathology unless associated with other symptoms such as asymmetry in lung sounds or dyspnea.

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The nurse assesses a young adult female who was brought to the emergency department (ED) by her boyfriend because she has not been feeling well all day and he believes she is getting worse. Which finding supports the nurse's suspicion that the client is experiencing appendicitis?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

In assessing an adult client, the nurse calculates the body mass index (BMI) as 14 kg/m2. Which nursing problem should be included in this client's plan of care? Reference Range: Body mass index (BMI) [normal 18.0 to 24.9 kg/m2]

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Which assessment finding, obtained during chest auscultation, should the nurse consider a normal finding?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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