The nurse is caring for a child admitted with acute abdominal pain and possible appendicitis. What intervention is appropriate to relieve the abdominal discomfort during the evaluation?
a. Place in the Trendelenburg position.
b. Apply moist heat to the abdomen.
c. Allow the child to assume a position of comfort.
d. Administer a saline enema to cleanse the bowel.
ANS: C
The child should be allowed to take a position of comfort, usually with the legs flexed. The Trendelenburg position will not help with the discomfort. If appendicitis is a possibility, administering laxative or enemas or applying heat to the area is dangerous. Such measures stimulate bowel motility and increase the risk of perforation.
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