Medsurg2 Appendicitis Ch 58 Exam
Questions with Correct Answers
Which potential complications can arise if appendicitis is not diagnosed and treated
promptly? Select all that apply.
Development of abscess
Viral infection
Deep vein thrombosis
Peritonitis
Gangrene
A client has been diagnosed with acute appendicitis and is being prepped for surgery.
Which provider's order should the nurse question?
Initiate intravenous access.
Maintain NPO status.
Administer an enema.
Withhold pain medication until the surgical consent is signed.
Which findings would be consistent with a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis?
Select all that apply.
Elevated white blood cell count with a shift to the right
Hypothermia
Presentation of pain in the left lower quadrant correlated with McBurney's point
Presence of Rovsing's sign eliciting referred pain in the right lower quadrant
Nausea and vomiting
The nurse is taking care of a client diagnosed with acute appendicitis who is awaiting
surgical intervention. The client has been medicated for pain as ordered. What
additional comfort measure should the nurse include in the plan of care to relieve the
client's pain?
Place a warm compress on the area that the client identifies as the source of pain.
Position for comfort on the right side with pillow support.
Maintain patient's position in high Fowler's to decrease pressure on the diaphragm.
Place an ice pack to the right lower quadrant. - Answer-
The nurse is caring for a client with suspected appendicitis who has just arrived at the
nursing unit. The nurse knows which test is most commonly used to diagnose
appendicitis?
appendicitis - Answer-Appendicitis is an acute condition that can cause the appendix to
rupture if not promptly treated. A rupture can lead to the development of peritonitis, a
dangerous infection of the abdominal lining. Thus, it is critical that the nurse accurately
assess for clinical signs and symptoms so treatment can be expedited and
complications avoided.
The patient who presents with appendicitis typically has lower right quadrant abdominal
pain. As the condition progresses, changes in vital signs can result in fever and
tachycardia.
The nurse's assessment of McBurney's point is a key part of the overall abdominal
assessment. The nurse applies gentle pressure to the painful area of the lower right
quadrant. Inspection of the abdomen may reveal tenderness, and the patient may
exhibit guarding in response to abdominal pain.
Another physical assessment technique is called Rovsing's sign. The nurse applies
gentle pressure in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen, causing the patient to
experience pain in the right lower quadrant.
Laboratory findings for the patient with appendicitis often show an elevated white blood
cell count as a result of inflammation, with a shift to the left appearing in the differential.
If appendicitis is suspected, a CT scan or other diagnostic imaging test can confirm
clinical findings.
The patient should be closely monitored for changes in blood pressure and pulse along
with any abrupt change in pain presentation, all signs of a perforated appendix.
As the inflammation continues in the appendix, the risk for rupture increases. Ruptured
contents can circulate into the abdomen causing peritonitis, which can be life
threatening. If the patient reports increased pain when coughing or moving, or lessened
pain when bending the right hip or knees, peritonitis should be suspected. This
complication necessitates imme
Andrew, a 20-year-old male college student, presents at the emergency room with
recent onset acute abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant along with nausea, but no
vomiting. He denies history of any comorbid conditions and does not take any
prescription or over-the-counter medications. He is physically active and in overall good
health apart from the symptoms he's experiencing. After the healthcare provider makes
a clinical diagnosis of appendicitis, the nurse begins to prepare him for surgery.
Andrew is experiencing pain of 4 on a 1 to 10 scale prior to the surgery. Which
interventions should be used to alleviate pain? Select all that apply:
Apply warm compress to the right lower quadrant
Position the client with the knees flexed
Apply ice pack to the right lower quadrant
Administer opioid analgesic prior to having the client sign the surgical consent
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