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

Choice A reason:

Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels and is not directly related to the signs described in the scenario.

Choice B reason:

Hyperthyroidism involves an overactive thyroid gland and may cause symptoms such as weight loss and heat intolerance but is not associated with the signs described.

Choice C reason:

The client's high fever, chills, and profuse sweating are suggestive of sepsis, a severe systemic infection often resulting from peritonitis.

Choice D reason:

Renal failure involves impaired kidney function and may present with specific signs, but it is not directly related to the signs described in the scenario.

Choice A reason:

Increased urine output is not a concerning finding in this context and may indicate adequate fluid resuscitation.

Choice B reason:

Abdominal distension and firmness are concerning findings and may indicate the development of abdominal compartment syndrome, a serious complication of peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Normal respiratory rate is a positive finding, but it does not directly relate to the development of abdominal compartment syndrome.

Choice D reason:

Mild incisional pain is expected after surgery, but it does not indicate the development of abdominal compartment syndrome.