A client is admitted with appendicitis and is awaiting surgery. The client states, "Now instead of pain in just one spot, the pain is kind of all over my abdomen." Which action by the nurse takes priority?
A) Assess the client's abdomen.
B) Get a set of vital signs.
C) Call the physician.
D) Prepare the client for another x-ray.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A complication of appendicitis is rupture. Any change in pain warrants a further assessment of the client. Pain that goes from more localized to generalized throughout the abdomen is characteristic of rupture. An abdominal exam may reveal a hard, board-like abdomen, which is further evidence of rupture. This information is vital to give the physician.

A Client Is Admitted with Appendicitis and Is Awaiting Surgery