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

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Complete blood count (CBC)

Chest X-ray

Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason:

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to assess the electrical activity of the heart and is not specific to diagnosing peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

A complete blood count (CBC) may reveal elevated white blood cell count and inflammatory markers, but it alone cannot confirm the diagnosis of peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

A chest X-ray may be performed to rule out other conditions, but it is not the primary diagnostic test for peritonitis.

Choice D reason:

An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan is a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying signs of inflammation and infection in the peritoneal cavity, aiding in the confirmation of peritonitis.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Correcting electrolyte imbalances is important in fluid resuscitation, but the primary goal is to prevent circulatory collapse and restore hemodynamic stability.

Choice B reason:

The primary goal of fluid resuscitation in peritonitis is to prevent circulatory collapse and maintain adequate blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs.

Choice C reason:

Maintaining adequate urine output is one of the indicators of effective fluid resuscitation, but it is not the primary goal in this context.

Choice D reason:

Restoring fluid balance is a goal of fluid resuscitation, but the primary focus is on preventing circulatory collapse and ensuring adequate tissue perfusion.

A. Removal of fluid from the pleural cavity B. Removal of fluid from the pericardial sac C. Removal of fluid from the peritoneal cavity D. Removal of fluid from the spinal canal

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Removal of fluid from the pleural cavity would be a thoracentesis, not a paracentesis.

Choice B reason:

Removal of fluid from the pericardial sac would be a pericardiocentesis, not a paracentesis.

Choice C reason:

A diagnostic paracentesis involves removing fluid from the peritoneal cavity to analyze for signs of infection and inflammation, which is important in diagnosing peritonitis.

Choice D reason:

Removal of fluid from the spinal canal would be a lumbar puncture, not a paracentesis.

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assisting with a diagnostic paracentesis for a client with suspected peritonitis. The nurse understands that this procedure involves:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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