A client with peritonitis develops hypotension and tachycardia. The nurse recognizes these signs as possible indications of which complication?
Abdominal compartment syndrome
Respiratory distress syndrome
Sepsis
Gastrointestinal bleeding
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Abdominal compartment syndrome may present with abdominal distension and firmness but is not directly associated with hypotension and tachycardia.
Choice B reason:
Respiratory distress syndrome may manifest with respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea and decreased oxygen saturation but is not directly associated with hypotension and tachycardia.
Choice C reason:
Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to infection and can cause hypotension and tachycardia as part of its clinical presentation.
Choice D reason:
Gastrointestinal bleeding may present with symptoms such as melena or hematemesis but is not directly associated with hypotension and tachycardia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to assess the electrical activity of the heart and is not specific to diagnosing peritonitis.
Choice B reason:
A complete blood count (CBC) may reveal elevated white blood cell count and inflammatory markers, but it alone cannot confirm the diagnosis of peritonitis.
Choice C reason:
A chest X-ray may be performed to rule out other conditions, but it is not the primary diagnostic test for peritonitis.
Choice D reason:
An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan is a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying signs of inflammation and infection in the peritoneal cavity, aiding in the confirmation of peritonitis.
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