The nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department who ...

[imowrer]

The nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department who is suspected of having appendicitis. Based on this data, which prescriptions does the nurse anticipate from the healthcare provider?
 
  Select all that apply.
  A) A cephalosporin
  B) A barium enema
  C) Regular diet
  D) Pain medication
  E) Complete white blood cell count

Question 2

A client with appendicitis is highly agitated and states that there is a great deal of pain. Which intervention will decrease the client's anxiety?
 
  A) Assess pain levels every 2 hours and administer ordered medication.
  B) Provide reading material to help distract the client.
  C) Distract the client with ambulation.
  D) Administer pain medications when the client complains of pain.

[BUTTHOL369]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: A, D, E

Pain medications will be ordered as will a complete white blood count, which will be elevated. A barium enema is not ordered, as this could cause perforation of the appendix and bowel. The client will take nothing by mouth, and the cephalosporins are the antibiotic of choice for antibiotic therapy.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: A

The extreme pain experienced by the client with appendicitis is the source of the client's anxiety. Assessing pain levels every 2 hours and administering medications before the pain gets intense is the best intervention for anxiety. Waiting until the client complains of pain makes pain relief more difficult and increases anxiety. Distraction does not work when clients have severe pain but is more appropriate for those with chronic pain.

[imowrer]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[jackie]

Gracias!