The nurse is caring for a client who presents with acute appendicitis:
Select all that apply?
Creatinine, 0.9 mg/dL
White blood cell count, 11,500 mm"
BUN 26 mg/dL.
Reports of pain increasing while coughing
Potassium 3.3 mEq/L
Nausea and vomiting
Correct Answer : B,C,D,E
Choice A rationale: This is a normal value, indicating normal renal function. The client does not have any signs of kidney damage or impairment.
Choice B rationale: This is an elevated value, indicating an infection or inflammation in the body. Acute appendicitis is a common cause of increased white blood cells, as the appendix becomes inflamed and infected. This finding requires immediate follow-up to monitor the client's condition and prevent complications such as perforation or peritonitis.
Choice C rationale: This is a high value, indicating impaired renal function or dehydration. The client may have decreased urine output due to vomiting and fluid loss, or may have underlying kidney problems. This finding requires immediate follow-up to assess the client's hydration status and renal function, and to provide appropriate fluid and electrolyte replacement.
Choice D rationale: This is a sign of peritoneal irritation, which may indicate that the appendix has ruptured or is close to rupturing. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgical intervention to remove the appendix and prevent sepsis and shock.
Choice E rationale: This is a low value, indicating hypokalemia or low potassium levels in the blood. The client may have lost potassium due to vomiting and fluid loss, or may have underlying electrolyte imbalances. This finding requires immediate follow-up to assess the client's cardiac function and muscle strength, and to provide appropriate potassium supplementation.
Choice F rationale: These are common symptoms of acute appendicitis, as the inflammation and infection of the appendix cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. These symptoms do not require immediate follow-up, but they should be managed with antiemetics and fluids to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Pulmonary embolism would cause chest pain, dyspnea, and hemoptysis, but not petechiae or neurological changes.
Choice B rationale: While chest pain might be associated with myocardial infarction, the combination of symptoms aligns more with a pulmonary embolism.
Choice C rationale: Fat embolism syndrome occurs when fat globules from the bone marrow enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, brain, or other organs. This can
cause respiratory distress, neurological impairment, petechiae (reddish-purple spots on the skin), and cardiac dysfunction.
Choice D rationale: Compartment syndrome doesn't typically manifest with respiratory symptoms or reddish-purple spots.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Cloudy efluent doesn't necessarily indicate a need for emergency surgery unless accompanied by severe symptoms.
Choice B rationale: Cloudy efluent may indicate infection, so obtaining a culture and sensitivity test is crucial for appropriate treatment.
Choice C rationale: This step might be necessary if the efluent suggests infection, but sending a specimen for testing is the immediate priority.
Choice D rationale: This action isn't the first step; investigating the cause of cloudiness through testing is essential.
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