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:

Ascites

Intestinal obstruction

Appendicitis

Pancreatitis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason:

Ascites refers to the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity and does not necessarily cause bloating and distension of the abdomen in the context of peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

Intestinal obstruction can occur in peritonitis when inflammation or infection causes the intestines to become blocked, leading to bloating and distension of the abdomen.

Choice C reason:

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix and may cause pain, but it is not associated with generalized bloating and distension of the abdomen.

Choice D reason:

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and may cause abdominal pain, but it is not associated with generalized bloating and distension of the abdomen.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Referred pain is pain that is felt in a different location from its source, and it is not directly associated with the sharp, sudden-onset pain described by the client.

Choice B reason:

Visceral pain arises from the internal organs and is often described as sharp and colicky. It worsens with movement and is a characteristic feature of peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Neuropathic pain is caused by nerve damage and is not typically associated with peritonitis.

Choice D reason:

Radiating pain is pain that extends from its source to other areas, and it is not specifically described in the scenario.

A. Bradycardia B. Hypotension C. bowel sounds D. Increased urine output

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Bradycardia is not a concerning finding in this context and may indicate a vagal response or be a side effect of certain medications.

Choice B reason:

Hypotension is a concerning finding and may indicate hypovolemic shock, a potentially life-threatening complication of peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Hyperactive bowel sounds are not a concerning finding in this context and may be a sign of gastrointestinal motility.

Choice D reason:

Increased urine output may be a positive finding but does not directly relate to the development of hypovolemic shock.

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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:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with peritonitis reports experiencing sharp, sudden-onset pain that worsens with movement. The nurse recognizes this type of pain as:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client suspected of having peritonitis. Which diagnostic test is most likely to be performed to confirm the diagnosis?

A client is recovering from peritonitis and is being discharged from the hospital. The nurse provides discharge instructions and emphasizes the importance of:

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

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:

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

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

A client with peritonitis is prescribed intravenous (IV) antibiotics. The nurse ensures to:

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