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A client underwent abdominal surgery and is now at risk of developing peritonitis. The nurse teaches the client about the early signs and symptoms of peritonitis. What should the nurse include in the teaching?

Fever and diarrhea

Abdominal distension and flatulence

Nausea and vomiting

Sudden-onset severe abdominal pain and tenderness

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason:

Fever and diarrhea are not specific early signs of peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

Abdominal distension and flatulence may occur for various reasons after abdominal surgery, but they are not specific to peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Nausea and vomiting can be caused by various post-operative factors and are not specific to peritonitis.

Choice D reason:

Sudden-onset severe abdominal pain and tenderness are classic early signs of peritonitis and indicate the need for immediate medical attention.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Anxiety may lead to restlessness, but the assumption of a fetal position suggests a pain response, which is a common finding in peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

Fatigue may lead to restlessness, but it does not explain the assumption of a fetal position, which is a pain-coping mechanism.

Choice C reason:

The client assuming a fetal position and exhibiting restlessness are indicative of pain, which is a common symptom in peritonitis.

Choice D reason:

Respiratory distress is not directly related to the findings described in the scenario.

A. Hypovolemic shock B. Paralytic ileus C. Intestinal obstruction D. Urinary retention

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Hypovolemic shock involves severe blood loss or fluid depletion and may present with signs of hypotension and tachycardia but is not directly related to the findings described.

Choice B reason:

Paralytic ileus is a lack of bowel motility that causes abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds, and it is a common complication of peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Intestinal obstruction involves a blockage of the intestines and may present with abdominal distension and altered bowel sounds, but it is not directly related to peritonitis in this context.

Choice D reason:

Urinary retention involves the inability to empty the bladder fully and is not related to the findings described in the scenario.

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A client underwent abdominal surgery and is now at risk of developing peritonitis. The nurse teaches the client about the early signs and symptoms of peritonitis. What should the nurse include in the teaching?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse caring for a client with peritonitis observes the client assuming a fetal position and exhibiting restlessness. The nurse interprets these behaviors as indicative of:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with peritonitis experiences abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds on auscultation. The nurse recognizes these findings as suggestive of:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with peritonitis is experiencing severe abdominal pain. The nurse assesses the client's abdomen and notes that it appears bloated and distended. The nurse recognizes this as a potential sign of:

A nurse is preparing a care plan for a client with peritonitis. Which nursing intervention is essential to include in the plan to address potential complications of this condition?

A nurse is providing education to a group of older adult clients about the risk factors for peritonitis. Which factor is most likely to increase the susceptibility to peritonitis in older adults?

A client with peritonitis is prescribed intravenous (IV) opioids for pain management. The nurse closely monitors the client for which potential side effect?

A nurse is caring for a client with a recent perforated gastric ulcer. The nurse identifies that the client is at risk of developing peritonitis due to:

A client with peritonitis is undergoing diagnostic imaging. The nurse explains to the client that the purpose of this imaging is to:

A client is admitted to the hospital with peritonitis. The nurse is conducting an assessment and asks the client about their recent medical history. Which risk factor is most likely associated with the development of peritonitis in this client?

A client with peritonitis develops a high fever, chills, and profuse sweating. The nurse recognizes these signs as indicative of: