You suspect that a man experiencing right lower quadrant pain has appendicitis. He states that he has no health insurance and wants to refuse care. He asks you what can happen if he has appendicitis but does not go to the hospital. Which of the following statements would you make in reply?
a. Your appendix could rupture, causing a major infection, shock, and possible death.
b. The inflammation of the appendix will gradually subside, but in the meantime the pain can be terrible.
c. If you do not get care, blood may clot in your intestine and cause an obstruction.
d. Take an antacid, and if the pain does not subside in an hour or two, then you should go to the hospital.
Question 2
Which of the following assessment findings would increase your suspicion of gastrointestinal bleeding?
a. Sudden onset of constipation
b. Watery and foul-smelling diarrhea
c. Tarry, black stool
d. Sharp pain in the left lower quadrant