You are the nurse caring for a patient who is admitted to the emergency room with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. You note during the assessment that the patient's ribs and xiphoid process are prominent

Question

The patient states she exercises daily. The patient's mother indicates she is being treated for anorexia nervosa. What should you do?
A) Inform the postoperative nurse of the patient's risk for wound dehiscence.
B) Evaluate the patient's ability to manage her pain level.
C) Inform the surgical team and determine her electrolyte levels.
D) Instruct the patient on the need for proper nutrition to promote healing.

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback: The surgical team should be informed about the patient's medical history regarding anorexia nervosa. Any nutritional deficiency, such as malnutrition, should be corrected before surgery to provide adequate protein for tissue repair. In the event of a surgical emergency, the electrolyte levels should be evaluated and corrected to prevent metabolic abnormalities in the operative and postoperative phase. The risk of wound dehiscence is more likely associated with obesity. Instruction on proper nutrition should take place in the postoperative period, and a consultation should be made with her psychiatric specialist. Evaluation of pain management is always important but not significant in this scenario.