A nurse is assessing a client who has peritonitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Hyperactive bowel sounds
Increased urinary output
Frequent bowel movements
Rigid abdomen
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with peritonitis. Instead, peritonitis often leads to decreased or absent bowel sounds due to the inflammation and subsequent ileus (paralysis of the bowel), which slows down or halts peristalsis.
Choice B reason: Increased urinary output is not a common symptom of peritonitis. In fact, peritonitis can sometimes result in reduced urine output due to the body's response to infection and inflammation, which can affect kidney function.
Choice C reason: Frequent bowel movements are not characteristic of peritonitis. The inflammation in the peritoneal cavity often leads to bowel paralysis, resulting in decreased bowel movements rather than increased frequency.
Choice D reason: A rigid abdomen is a hallmark sign of peritonitis. The rigidity is due to the body's protective response to the severe inflammation in the peritoneal cavity, causing the abdominal muscles to tighten and become hard. This clinical sign, along with severe pain, can help healthcare providers diagnose peritonitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Epigastric pain during swallowing can occur in esophageal cancer but is not the most common or specific symptom. It could be related to other conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcers.
Choice B reason: Regurgitation can be a symptom but is more commonly associated with GERD or other less serious esophageal conditions rather than being a primary indication of esophageal cancer.
Choice C reason: Progressive dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing that worsens over time, is the most common and specific symptom of esophageal cancer. It occurs as the tumor grows and gradually obstructs the esophagus, making swallowing increasingly difficult.
Choice D reason: Weight loss can occur in esophageal cancer but is not as specific as progressive dysphagia. It may be a secondary symptom resulting from difficulty swallowing and reduced food intake.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine and is not specifically associated with the described urine characteristics of dark amber, cloudiness, and unpleasant odor. These symptoms indicate an infection rather than a condition involving control over urination.
Choice B reason: Urinary retention involves the inability to completely empty the bladder, leading to retained urine. It does not typically manifest with dark amber, cloudy urine, and unpleasant odor, which are more indicative of an infection.
Choice C reason: Urinary frequency refers to the need to urinate more often than usual and does not specifically align with the described urine characteristics. The focus in this case is on the urine's appearance and smell, pointing more towards an infection.
Choice D reason: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most likely condition associated with dark amber, cloudy urine, and unpleasant odor. UTIs result from bacterial infection, leading to inflammation and the presence of pus or blood, which causes the described symptoms. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent complications.
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