Practice Question
A client reports severe abdominal pain rated 9/10. The abdomen is rigid, distended, and tender with rebound. What is the nurse's priority action?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Notify the healthcare provider immediately
Rationale:
⚠️ Severe pain with rigidity, distension, and rebound tenderness strongly indicates peritonitis or intestinal perforation.
⚠️ This is a surgical emergency, as infection can spread quickly into the bloodstream causing sepsis and shock.
⚠️ Reassessing later wastes time, and applying heat may worsen bleeding or inflammation.
⚠️ Giving opioids before notifying the provider can mask symptoms and delay diagnosis.
⚠️ Priority: notify the provider immediately for urgent evaluation and intervention.
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This question is from Quiz 1 Fall 2025 Monday PM which contains 41 questions.
More Questions from This Exam
Which client requires immediate intervention?
Answer Choices:
A. pH 7.29, PaCO2 70, HC0₃ 25
B. pH 7.52, PaCO2 30, HC0₃ 24
C. pH 7.47, HCO, 30, PaC0₂ 44
D. pH 7.34, HCO, 19, PaC0₂ 36
Which findings are commonly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus ? (Select all that apply)
Answer Choices:
A. Photosensitivity
B. Proteinuria
C. Butterfly-shaped facial rash
D. Joint pain and swelling
E. Bradycardia
A client with COPD is at risk for respiratory acidosis. Which findings support this? (Select all that apply)
Answer Choices:
A. pH 7.30
B. HC0₃ 20 mEq/L
C. PaC0₂ 55 mmHg
D. Kussmaul respirations
E. Restlessness and headache
A client treated for angioedema in the ER is now stable. Which action is most important for the nurse?
Answer Choices:
A. Monitor for at least 4-6 hours for recurrence
B. Give oral diphenhydramine for 5 days
C. Resume normal diet immediately
D. Discharge once symptoms improve
A hospice client with metastatic cancer is moaning and restless despite morphine. Family worries that the morphine will cause addiction. What is the best response?
Answer Choices:
A. "Let's stop the morphine and use non-drug measures."
B. "We should save the morphine for severe pain only."
C. "Addiction risk is the same for everyone."
D. "Addiction is unlikely at this stage of illness. Less focus on improving your pain now."
Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN ATI MedSurg
- Answer Choices: 4