Nokea
A client admitted with acute diverticulitis has experienced a sudden increase in temperature and reports a sudden onset of exquisite abdominal tenderness. The nurse's rapid assessment reveals that the client's abdomen is uncharacteristically rigid on palpation. What is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Contact the primary care provider promptly and report these signs of perforation.
Rationale:
1. Sudden increase in temperature, sudden onset of exquisite abdominal tenderness, and uncharacteristically rigid abdomen are signs of perforation in diverticulitis.
2. Promptly contacting the primary care provider allows for immediate evaluation and intervention.
3. Perforation is a serious complication that requires urgent medical attention to prevent further complications like sepsis.
Summary of other choices:
A: Administering a Fleet enema is not appropriate and can worsen the condition of a perforated diverticulum.
C: Inserting an NG tube is not indicated for a perforated diverticulum and may exacerbate the situation.
D: Reporting the client may be obstructed is not accurate based on the signs presented and does not address the urgency of perforation.