A client with acute abdominal pain is scheduled for an ...

[frankwu]

A client with acute abdominal pain is scheduled for an appendectomy in 3 hours. While waiting for the surgery, the client reports that the pain has subsided. Which is the priority action by the nurse?
 
  A) Determine when the client can be medicated for pain.
  B) Contact the surgery department.
  C) Contact the healthcare provider.
  D) Notify the nursing supervisor.

Question 2

A client is admitted to the hospital with an elevated temperature, nausea, and pain and tenderness in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. After receiving pain medication, the client continues to complain of pain at a level of 8 on a 1-10 pain scale.
 
  Which statement by the nurse is appropriate?
  A) I will inform the healthcare provider about your continued pain.
  B) I do not have any medications ordered for you at this time.
  C) Try to rest for a while longer until it is time to receive your medication
  D) Let's try a heating pad or warm blanket to see if that helps with your discomfort.

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Answer to Question 1

Answer: C

The pain relief being experienced by the client is consistent with rupture of the appendix. The healthcare provider should be notified. If the appendix has ruptured, the risk of peritonitis will increase. The next time the client can be medicated for pain is not relevant for this client. Notification of the surgery department and the nursing supervisor should not be completed before contact with the healthcare provider.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: A

The client's inability to achieve comfort will need to be reported to the physician. The reported manifestations are consistent with appendicitis and the client is at risk for perforation, which is manifested by increased pain. The use of heat to manage the pain is contraindicated due to the risk of perforation. Advising the client that no medications are available at this time and encouraging rest do not meet the concerns being presented by the client.