NCLEX RN Medical Surgical Questions Related

Review NCLEX RN Medical Surgical Questions related questions and content

The nurse is admitting a client with acute appendicitis to the emergency department. The client has abdominal pain of 10 on a pain scale of 1 to 10. The client will be going to surgery as soon as possible. The nurse should:

  • A. Contact the surgeon to request an order for a narcotic for the pain.
  • B. Maintain the client in a recumbent position.
  • C. Place the client on nothing-by-mouth (NPO) status.
  • D. Apply heat to the abdomen in the area of the pain.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The client with acute appendicitis should be placed on NPO status in preparation for surgery to prevent aspiration risk. Narcotics may mask symptoms, a recumbent position is not specific, and heat could worsen inflammation. CN: Physiological adaptation; CL: Synthesize