A patient admitted with acute diverticulitis has experienced a sudden increase in temperature and complains of a sudden onset of exquisite abdominal tenderness
The nurse's rapid assessment reveals that the patient's abdomen is uncharacteristically rigid on palpation. What is the nurse's best response?
A) Administer a Fleet enema as ordered and remain with the patient.
B) Contact the primary care provider promptly and report these signs of perforation.
C) Position the patient supine and insert an NG tube.
D) Page the primary care provider and report that the patient may be obstructed.
Ans: B
Feedback:
The patient's change in status is suggestive of perforation, which is a surgical emergency. Obstruction does not have this presentation involving fever and abdominal rigidity. An enema would be strongly contraindicated. An order is needed for NG insertion and repositioning is not a priority.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is providing care for a patient who is taking isoniazid and rifampin (Rifadin) for the treatment of active tuberculosis. The patient should be taught that an improvement in symptoms will likely be noticed within
A) 48 hours. B) a week to 10 days. C) 2 to 3 weeks. D) 4 to 6 weeks.
Your client is describing the pain in the back of his leg as burning, shooting pain with a level of 8 on a scale of 1 to 10. You know that this pain is likely _____ pain
1. nociceptive 2. visceral 3. neuropathic 4. somatic
The only known disorder where a fetus can survive despite loss of an entire X chromosome is known as:
1. Edward's syndrome. 2. Sturge-Weber syndrome. 3. Turner's syndrome. 4. William's syndrome.
Which of the following groups advocates for improved and effective psychiatric services and consumer empowerment?
a. National Alliance for Mentally Ill (NAMI) Consumer Council b. National Mental Health Consumer's Association (NMHCA) c. National Association of Psychiatric Survivors (NAPS) d. Consumer/Survivor Mental Health Research and Policy Work Group