A 16-year-old presents at the emergency department complaining of right lower quadrant pain and is subsequently diagnosed with appendicitis. When planning this patient's nursing care, the nurse should prioritize what nursing diagnosis?

A) Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements Related to Decreased Oral Intake
B) Risk for Infection Related to Possible Rupture of Appendix
C) Constipation Related to Decreased Bowel Motility and Decreased Fluid Intake
D) Chronic Pain Related to Appendicitis


Ans: B
Feedback:
The patient with a diagnosis of appendicitis has an acute risk of infection related to the possibility of rupture. This immediate physiologic risk is a priority over nutrition and constipation, though each of these concerns should be addressed by the nurse. The pain associated with appendicitis is acute, not chronic.

Nursing

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