Priority Decision: A patient with a gunshot wound to the abdomen complains of increasing abdominal pain several hours after surgery to repair the bowel. What action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Notify the health care provider. In this scenario, the patient's increasing abdominal pain after surgery could indicate a complication or deterioration in their condition. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately allows for prompt assessment and intervention to prevent further harm. Taking vital signs (choice A) can provide important information but may not address the underlying issue. Positioning the patient with knees flexed (choice C) and determining IV intake (choice D) are important, but addressing the worsening abdominal pain takes precedence.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Use of acetaminophen with alcohol abuse. Acute liver failure is most commonly seen in individuals who consume excessive amounts of acetaminophen, especially when combined with alcohol. Acetaminophen overdose can cause severe liver damage, and alcohol abuse can further exacerbate the toxicity. Choice A (An individual with hepatitis A) is incorrect because hepatitis A typically does not lead to acute liver failure. Choice B (An individual with hepatitis C) is also incorrect as hepatitis C usually causes chronic liver disease rather than acute liver failure. Choice C (Antihypertensive medication use) is not a common cause of acute liver failure compared to acetaminophen and alcohol abuse.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because cirrhosis is indeed an indication for transplantation in some cases. By responding with option D, the nurse acknowledges the patient's question, provides accurate information, and encourages the patient to discuss the possibility of a liver transplant with their doctor. Option A is incorrect because age is not the only factor considered for liver transplants; the severity of the liver disease matters. Option B doesn't provide specific guidance and redirects responsibility. Option C is incorrect as rejection is a manageable risk in liver transplants, and cirrhosis patients can undergo transplantation successfully.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer analgesics as ordered. This is the best intervention as biliary colic is characterized by severe pain caused by gallstones obstructing the bile duct. Providing analgesics will help alleviate the pain and improve the patient's comfort. Encouraging oral intake (choice A) is important but addressing the pain takes precedence. Cholecystectomy (choice C) is a treatment for cholelithiasis but not the immediate intervention for biliary colic. Placing the patient on a low-fat diet (choice D) is beneficial for long-term management but is not the first priority when the patient is in acute pain.