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

Hypovolemic shock

Paralytic ileus

Intestinal obstruction

Urinary retention

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

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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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Continuous gastric suction is not primarily intended to prevent aspiration pneumonia, although it may indirectly help reduce the risk of aspiration in some cases.

Choice B reason:

Reducing intra-abdominal pressure is not the primary purpose of continuous gastric suction, although it may have some effect on the overall abdominal pressure.

Choice C reason:

Continuous gastric suction is not primarily intended to manage pain and discomfort in the client with peritonitis, although it may help alleviate some symptoms.

Choice D reason:

Promoting bowel rest is the main purpose of continuous gastric suction in the management of peritonitis. By reducing the workload of the gastrointestinal tract, the inflamed peritoneum can heal and recover more effectively.

A. Rebound tenderness B. Paralytic ileus C. Abdominal compartment syndrome D. Guarding

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Rebound tenderness refers to increased pain upon release of pressure during palpation and is not related to the finding of a rigid, board-like abdomen.

Choice B reason:

Paralytic ileus refers to a condition in which the intestines stop functioning, causing a lack of bowel sounds and distension, but it is not directly related to the rigid abdomen finding.

Choice C reason:

Abdominal compartment syndrome may cause abdominal distension and increased intra-abdominal pressure, but it does not necessarily result in a rigid, board-like abdomen.

Choice D reason:

The finding of a rigid, board-like abdomen upon palpation is known as guarding, which is a protective response of the abdominal muscles in peritonitis to minimize movement and protect the inflamed peritoneum.

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with peritonitis and observes a rigid, board-like abdomen upon palpation. The nurse recognizes this finding as:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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

A client with peritonitis is prescribed intravenous (IV) fluid resuscitation. The nurse understands that the primary goal of fluid resuscitation is to:

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 receiving intravenous (IV) antibiotics. The nurse should monitor the client for which potential side effect of antibiotic therapy?

A client with peritonitis develops acute kidney injury (AKI). Which nursing intervention is essential in the management of this complication?

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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 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: