When caring for a child with probable appendicitis, the nurse would be alert to recognize which condition or symptom is a sign of perforation?
Decreased abdominal distention
Anorexia
Bradycardia
Sudden relief from pain
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Decreased abdominal distention is not typically a sign of appendicitis perforation. In fact, perforation often leads to increased abdominal distention due to the release of intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity, causing inflammation and swelling. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B reason:
Anorexia, or loss of appetite, is a common symptom of appendicitis but not specifically indicative of perforation2. While anorexia can be present in cases of perforation, it is not a definitive sign. The sudden relief of pain is a more critical indicator of perforation, as it suggests the appendix has ruptured, temporarily relieving pressure.
Choice C reason:
Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not a typical sign of appendicitis perforation. In fact, appendicitis and its complications, such as perforation, are more likely to cause tachycardia (an increased heart rate) due to pain and infection. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D reason:
Sudden relief from pain is a classic sign of appendicitis perforation. When the appendix ruptures, the pressure inside the appendix is relieved, leading to a temporary decrease in pain. However, this is followed by a rapid onset of severe pain as the contents of the appendix spread throughout the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis. This sudden change in pain is a critical indicator that the appendix has perforated and requires immediate medical attention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is c. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Choice A reason:
Aspirin was once commonly used to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), but it is no longer the first-line treatment due to its potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal issues and Reye’s syndrome in children. While it can still be used in some cases, it is not the preferred initial treatment.
Choice B Reason:
Corticosteroids are effective in reducing inflammation and controlling symptoms of JIA, but they are not typically used as the first-line treatment due to their potential side effects, including weight gain, growth suppression, and increased risk of infections. They are usually reserved for more severe cases or when other treatments have failed.
Choice C Reason:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually the first-line treatment for juvenile idiopathic arthritis. They help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve joint function. NSAIDs are generally well-tolerated and have a long track record of safety and effectiveness in managing JIA.
Choice D Reason:
Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatoid Drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate, are used in the treatment of JIA, but they are not typically the first-line treatment. DMARDs are often prescribed when NSAIDs are not sufficient to control the symptoms or when the disease is more severe. They help slow the progression of the disease and prevent joint damage.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Extracellular hyperglycemia refers to high blood sugar levels outside the cells. While hyperglycemia is a common feature of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), it is not the direct cause of the condition. DKA occurs when the body cannot use glucose for energy due to a lack of insulin, leading to the breakdown of fat and protein for energy, which produces ketones and causes acidosis.
Choice B Reason:
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is not associated with diabetic ketoacidosis. In fact, DKA is characterized by high blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia is a separate condition that can occur in individuals with diabetes, particularly if they take too much insulin or skip meals.
Choice C Reason:
The use of fat and protein as an energy source is the primary mechanism behind diabetic ketoacidosis. When insulin is deficient, the body cannot utilize glucose for energy. As a result, it breaks down fat and protein to produce energy. This process generates ketones, which are acidic and lead to the development of ketoacidosis.
Choice D Reason:
Increased cellular metabolism of glucose is not related to diabetic ketoacidosis. In DKA, the problem is that cells cannot use glucose effectively due to a lack of insulin. Instead, the body resorts to breaking down fat and protein for energy, leading to the production of ketones and acidosis.
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