Diverticulitis

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Sample questions from Diverticulitis

This material has 90 questions with answers and rationales. Here are the first 5.

1. 1.In the emergency department, a 46-year-old client reports 2 days of worsening left lower-quadrant pain, nausea, and fever. Temperature is 38.2 C, HR 104/min, BP 118/72 mm Hg, and the abdomen is tender without rigidity. Which action should the nurse take first?

   • A.Apply a heating pad to the lower abdomen for comfort.
   • B.Encourage a high-fiber meal to promote bowel motility.
   • C.Keep the client NPO and establish IV access as prescribed for evaluation and treatment.
   • D.Administer a stimulant laxative to relieve presumed constipation.

   Rationale: Keeping the client NPO and preparing for IV treatment and diagnostic evaluation are appropriate with suspected acute diverticulitis and possible need for bowel rest. A stimulant laxative and high-fiber meal are inappropriate during an acute episode because they can increase bowel activity. Heat does not address the cause and should not delay assessment or prescribed treatment. The exam takeaway is to prioritize stabilization and evaluation during acute abdominal inflammation.

2. 2.During a home health visit, a 67-year-old client recovering from uncomplicated diverticulitis says, "I feel better, so I stopped taking the antibiotics yesterday." The client is afebrile, reports mild residual discomfort, and has no vomiting. Which response is best?

   • A."Stop the medication permanently because your fever has resolved."
   • B."Take a laxative now to clear any remaining infection from your bowel."
   • C."Double the next dose to make up for the doses you missed."
   • D."Restart the prescribed course and contact your prescriber today for instructions."

   Rationale: The client should contact the prescriber and follow instructions about completing or restarting the prescribed course rather than independently stopping treatment. Resolved fever does not establish that treatment is complete, and doubling a dose can cause harm. A laxative does not treat infection and may be inappropriate during recovery. Teaching should reinforce taking medications as directed and promptly reporting missed doses or worsening symptoms.

3. 3.Refer to the client's chart. Which actions should the nurse take now for this 58-year-old client? Select all that apply.

   • A.Encourage the client to walk in the hallway before reassessing the abdominal findings.
   • B.Administer the prescribed IV antibiotic on schedule after verifying the order and allergies.
   • C.Give an oral laxative to relieve the client's abdominal distention.
   • D.Maintain NPO status and continue the prescribed IV fluids while awaiting evaluation.
   • E.Notify the provider promptly about the worsening pain, guarding, and changing vital signs.

   Rationale: The chart shows worsening pain with guarding, a rising heart rate from 96 to 112/min, and a temperature increase to 38.6 C, which require prompt provider notification and continued stabilization. Maintaining NPO status and IV fluids follows the plan for acute illness, and the ordered IV antibiotic should be given after safety checks. An oral laxative is inappropriate with acute inflammation and possible complication, and walking should not delay escalation and reassessment.

4. 4.At change of shift on a medical unit, a 72-year-old client with diverticulitis is being cared for by an RN and an experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which task is appropriate for the RN to delegate to the UAP?

   • A.Evaluate the client's response to the first antibiotic dose.
   • B.Measure and report the client's temperature and blood pressure.
   • C.Teach the client how to follow a high-fiber diet after recovery.
   • D.Assess whether the client's abdominal pain is worsening.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.A provider prescribes IV morphine for a 39-year-old client admitted with acute diverticulitis. The client is drowsy after receiving an earlier dose, with a respiratory rate of 9/min and SpO2 of 90% on room air. Which action should the nurse take?

   • A.Hold the morphine and immediately assess the client's respiratory status.
   • B.Ask the UAP to administer oxygen and give the morphine.
   • C.Give an oral antacid before administering the morphine.
   • D.Administer the prescribed dose and reassess pain in 30 minutes.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.