A client with peritonitis develops an elevated white blood cell count. The nurse recognizes this laboratory finding as indicative of:

Anemia

Infection

Hypoalbuminemia

Dehydration

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason:

Anemia refers to a low red blood cell count or hemoglobin level and is not directly related to an elevated white blood cell count.

Choice B reason:

An elevated white blood cell count is a common indicator of infection, such as in peritonitis, as the body's immune response is heightened to combat the inflammation and infection.

Choice C reason:

Hypoalbuminemia refers to low albumin levels in the blood and is not directly related to an elevated white blood cell count.

Choice D reason:

Dehydration may result in elevated blood cell counts due to hemoconcentration, but it is not the primary cause of an elevated white blood cell count in peritonitis.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Preventing aspiration pneumonia is one of the benefits of an NG tube, but the primary purpose in peritonitis is to relieve abdominal distension caused by fluid and gas accumulation.

Choice B reason:

Relieving abdominal distension is the primary purpose of an NG tube in clients with peritonitis, as it helps remove fluid and gas from the stomach and intestines, reducing pressure on the peritoneum.

Choice C reason:

Monitoring gastric pH levels may be done with an NG tube in certain situations, but it is not the primary purpose in the context of peritonitis.

Choice D reason:

Administering enteral nutrition may be a secondary purpose of an NG tube in some cases, but it is not the primary goal in clients with peritonitis.

A. Chest pain B. Severe headache C. Abdominal pain and tenderness D. Shortness of breath

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Chest pain is not a typical symptom of peritonitis, as the condition primarily affects the abdomen.

Choice B reason:

A severe headache is not a characteristic symptom of peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Abdominal pain and tenderness are hallmark symptoms of peritonitis, resulting from inflammation of the peritoneum lining the abdominal cavity.

Choice D reason:

Shortness of breath is not a common symptom of peritonitis unless there is an associated respiratory complication.

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A client with peritonitis develops an elevated white blood cell count. The nurse recognizes this laboratory finding as indicative of:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with peritonitis is prescribed a nasogastric (NG) tube for decompression. The nurse understands that the primary purpose of the NG tube is to:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client with suspected peritonitis. Which symptom should the nurse expect the client to report?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client presents to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain, tenderness, and fever. The client reports a recent history of ruptured appendix. The nurse suspects the client may be experiencing:

A client with peritonitis is experiencing acute respiratory distress. Which intervention is the nurse's priority in managing this complication?

A client with peritonitis is experiencing abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds. The nurse suspects the presence of:

A nurse is caring for a client with peritonitis and is reviewing the client's medical history. Which condition places the client at an increased risk of developing peritonitis?

A client with peritonitis is prescribed continuous gastric suction. The nurse understands that this intervention is essential to:

A client is diagnosed with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). The nurse anticipates the need for which medical intervention?

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?

A client with peritonitis is at risk of developing hypovolemic shock. Which assessment finding should the nurse be most concerned about?