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

Paralytic ileus

Gastroenteritis

Appendicitis

Constipation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Administering pain medication is important for the client's comfort, but it is not the highest priority in managing sepsis, a life-threatening complication of peritonitis. Addressing the underlying infection with antibiotics takes precedence.

Choice B reason:

Monitoring vital signs is essential for assessing the client's condition, but initiating broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy is more critical in managing sepsis.

Choice C reason:

Initiating broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy is the highest priority in managing sepsis. Prompt administration of antibiotics is crucial to treat the bacterial infection and prevent its spread.

Choice D reason:

Providing deep breathing exercises is important for preventing respiratory complications, but it is not the highest priority compared to addressing sepsis with antibiotics.

A. Recent travel to a tropical region B. History of asthma C. Prior abdominal surgery D. Vegetarian diet

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Recent travel to a tropical region is not a risk factor for peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

A history of asthma is not a risk factor for peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Prior abdominal surgery is a significant risk factor for peritonitis because it can lead to perforation of the gastrointestinal tract and the spread of bacteria into the peritoneal cavity.

Choice D reason:

A vegetarian diet is not a risk factor for peritonitis.

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client with peritonitis who developed sepsis. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority in managing this complication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client is admitted to the hospital with peritonitis. The nurse is conducting an assessment and asks the client about their recent medical history. Which risk factor is most likely associated with the development of peritonitis in this client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with peritonitis and anticipates the need for a paracentesis. What is the purpose of a paracentesis in this client?

A nurse is providing education to a group of older adult clients about the risk factors for peritonitis. Which factor is most likely to increase the susceptibility to peritonitis in older adults?

A nurse is caring for a client with peritonitis who is at risk of developing abdominal compartment syndrome. Which assessment finding should the nurse be most concerned about?

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 severe abdominal pain. The nurse recognizes that this pain may be exacerbated by which factor?

A client with peritonitis presents with an elevated temperature, rapid heart rate, and shallow breathing. The nurse recognizes these signs as indicative of:

A nurse is providing education to a group of clients about peritonitis and its risk factors. Which client is at the highest risk for developing peritonitis?

A client with cirrhosis is admitted to the hospital with suspected peritonitis. The nurse understands that cirrhosis is a significant risk factor for peritonitis due to: