A client with peritonitis is experiencing severe abdominal pain. The nurse assesses the client's abdomen and notes that it appears bloated and distended. The nurse recognizes this as a potential sign of:

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.

Choice A reason:

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to assess the electrical activity of the heart, not the abdomen.

Choice B reason:

An abdominal X-ray provides a basic overview of the abdomen but may not offer detailed images of the peritoneal organs and structures.

Choice C reason:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide high-resolution images of the abdominal organs and structures, including the peritoneum, making it a valuable diagnostic tool for suspected peritonitis.

Choice D reason:

Ultrasonography can provide images of the abdominal organs, but it may not offer the level of detail provided by MRI in assessing peritonitis.