A client with a history of appendectomy develops peritonitis. The nurse anticipates which diagnostic test to confirm the diagnosis?
Chest X-ray
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Abdominal ultrasound
Complete blood count (CBC)
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
A chest X-ray is not the primary diagnostic test for peritonitis.
Choice B reason:
An ECG is used to assess cardiac function and is not specific to peritonitis.
Choice C reason:
An abdominal ultrasound is commonly used to diagnose peritonitis and can help visualize inflammation or fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
Choice D reason:
A CBC may show elevated white blood cell count, which is an indication of infection, but it is not a confirmatory test for peritonitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds are classic signs of paralytic ileus, a common complication of peritonitis.
Choice B reason:
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and may cause diarrhea and abdominal pain but is not related to the specific symptoms described.
Choice C reason:
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix and is not related to abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds.
Choice D reason:
Constipation may cause abdominal distension, but decreased bowel sounds are not characteristic of constipation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Slower metabolism is a normal age-related change but is not directly related to an increased susceptibility to peritonitis in older adults.
Choice B reason:
Older adults may have decreased immune function, which can increase their susceptibility to infections, including peritonitis.
Choice C reason:
Increased bone density is not directly related to an increased susceptibility to peritonitis in older adults.
Choice D reason:
Reduced gastrointestinal motility is a normal age-related change but is not directly related to an increased susceptibility to peritonitis in older adults.
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