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

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.

Choice A reason:

Changing the IV site every 24 hours is not necessary for IV antibiotic administration unless there is an indication of infiltration or infection at the site.

Choice B reason:

Administering the antibiotics using an infusion pump is essential to ensure accurate and controlled delivery of the medication, particularly when the client's condition requires a precise dosing schedule.

Choice C reason:

Discontinuing the antibiotics after 48 hours of improvement may lead to a recurrence of the infection. Clients with peritonitis often require a full course of antibiotic therapy to ensure complete eradication of the infection.

Choice D reason:

Administering the antibiotics through a peripheral IV catheter may not be suitable for the client's condition, as peritonitis may necessitate the use of a central line for administration of IV medications.