A mother called the physician's office to ask if it would help relieve her small daughter's abdominal pain if she gave an enema and placed a heating pad on the abdomen. Her daughter has a fever and…

Question

Options

• AThe symptoms could easily have been caused by constipation, which an enema would relieve
• BHeat would help to relax the abdominal muscles and relieve her pain
• CBoth heat and enemas stimulate intestinal motility and could increase the risk of perforation
• DComplaints of stomach ache are common in young children and are generally best ignored

• A
  10% (4)
• B
  8% (3)
• C
  80% (32)
• D
  3% (1)

Explanation

(A) Constipation does not cause fever or vomiting but may cause anorexia. Risk of perforation outweighs the possible benefits of an enema. (B) Heat will not relieve her symptoms but will increase intestinal motility and increase the risk of (C) Heat and enemas are contraindicated where severe abdominal pain is suspected because they increase intestinal motility and the risk of perforation. (D) Complaints accompanied by physical symptoms such as pain, anorexia, and fever should never be ignored.

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