Question

The nurse is monitoring a patient with appendicitis. They begin to complain of increased abdominal pain, start to vomit, the abdomen is distended, and bowel sounds are diminished. What should the nurse do?

a) Notify the healthcare provider immediately and prepare the patient for urgent surgery.
b) Administer over-the-counter antacids to relieve abdominal discomfort.
c) Encourage the patient to eat a small, bland meal to alleviate nausea.
d) Administer a laxative to promote bowel movement and relieve distention.

Answer 1

a) Notify the healthcare provider immediately and prepare the patient for urgent surgery. The nurse should immediately notify the healthcare provider and prepare the patient for urgent surgery. Ruptured appendicitis is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should immediately notify the healthcare provider and prepare the patient for urgent surgery. The symptoms of increased abdominal pain, vomiting, distended abdomen, and diminished bowel sounds are indicative of a potentially ruptured appendix, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention.

Ruptured appendicitis can lead to severe complications such as peritonitis, which is the inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. Peritonitis is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency surgery and intensive antibiotic therapy. Delaying the surgical intervention can lead to the spread of infection and increase the risk of morbidity and mortality.