The nurse is monitoring a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of appendicitis who is scheduled for surgery in 2 hours. The client begins to complain of increased abdominal pain and begins to vomit. On assessment, the nurse notes the abdomen is distended and bowel sounds are diminished.
Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

Administer the prescribed medication.

Reposition the client and apply a heating pad on the warm setting to the client’s abdomen.

Call the healthcare provider.

Call and ask the operating room team to perform surgery as soon as possible.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

The client may have a ruptured appendix, which is a life-threatening complication of appendicitis. A ruptured appendix can cause peritonitis, which is an infection of the lining of the abdomen, or an abscess, which is a collection of pus around the appendix. These conditions require immediate medical attention and surgery to remove the appendix and clean the abdominal cavity.

Choice A is wrong because administering the prescribed medication may mask the symptoms of a ruptured appendix and delay diagnosis and treatment.

Choice B is wrong because repositioning the client and applying a heating pad may increase the risk of rupture or spread of infection.

Choice D is wrong because calling the operating room team is not the nurse’s responsibility and may not be feasible depending on the availability of the surgical team and the operating room.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Withholding food and oral fluids until intestinal mobility has returned. This is because the client may have postoperative ileus (POI), which is a reduction of gastrointestinal motility after abdominal surgery. POI is characterized by abdominal distension, lack of bowel sounds, accumulation of gas and fluids in the bowel, and delayed passage of flatus and stools.

Giving food and fluids to a client with POI may worsen the condition and cause complications.

Choice A is wrong because high fat foods may slow down GI motility and increase the risk of constipation.

Choice B is wrong because solid food intake may also aggravate POI and cause abdominal discomfort.

Choice C is wrong because fiber intake may increase gas production and distension in the bowel. The nurse should auscultate the abdomen for bowel sounds, and if they are present, or the client reports passing flatus, clear fluids can commence, and aperients can be administered. However, bowel sounds are not a reliable indicator of the end of POI, as they may not be associated with the time of first flatus.

Therefore, withholding food and oral fluids until intestinal mobility has returned is the most appropriate action by the nurse.

A. a huge barrier in accessing health care. B. due to politics; not something nurses get involved with. C. only a problem for those who do not speak English. D. regulated by the Joint Commission.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A lack of insurance or lack of sufficient insurance is a huge barrier in accessing health care. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, uninsured people are less likely to receive preventive care and services for major health conditions and chronic diseases. They also face greater difficulties in affording care and paying medical bills.

Choice B is wrong because politics is not the only factor that affects the availability and affordability of health insurance. Other factors include income, employment status, age, health status, and geographic location. Nurses have a professional and ethical responsibility to advocate for the health needs of their clients and communities, which may involve engaging with political issues. Choice C is wrong because language is not the only problem for uninsured or underinsured clients. Other problems include cost, access, quality, and continuity of care. Language barriers may affect communication and understanding between clients and providers, but they can be addressed by using interpreters, translators, or culturally competent staff.

Choice D is wrong because the Joint Commission does not regulate insurance coverage. The Joint Commission is an independent, nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies health care organizations and programs in the United States. It sets standards for quality and safety of care, but it does not determine who is eligible for insurance or what benefits are covered.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is conducting an assessment on a client who is 36 hours postoperative following an appendectomy. During the assessment, the nurse is unable to hear any bowel sounds. The client denies passing flatus (gas). Given this information, which action is most appropriate by the nurse?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse educator is presenting information to a group of nursing students regarding uninsured and underinsured clients. The nurse educator emphasizes that a lack of insurance or lack of sufficient insurance is:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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