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: A bladder infection can cause various symptoms, but blood-tinged urine is less specific to it.
Choice B reason: Dehydration typically leads to concentrated urine, not blood-tinged urine.
Choice C reason: Prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia) can cause blood-tinged urine due to irritation and pressure on the urethra.
Choice D reason: Pernicious anemia affects red blood cell production but is not directly related to the presence of blood in the urine.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Oliguria is defined as a significantly reduced urine output, typically less than 400-500 ml per day in adults. A urinary output of 350 ml/day falls well below this threshold, indicating a condition of oliguria. This reduced output can be a sign of underlying issues such as dehydration, renal failure, or urinary tract obstructions. It is essential for healthcare providers to identify and address the cause of oliguria to prevent further complications.
Choice B reason: A urinary output of 450 ml/day is also indicative of oliguria but is closer to the higher end of the threshold for this condition. However, the specified definition usually considers less than 400 ml/day as oliguria, making 350 ml/day a more definitive example. While 450 ml/day is still reduced and warrants attention, it is slightly above the typical clinical cutoff for oliguria.
Choice C reason: A urinary output of 550 ml/day is above the typical threshold for oliguria. It indicates reduced urine output but does not meet the clinical definition of oliguria. Such output may still require monitoring, but it does not classify as oliguria, which is generally defined as less than 400-500 ml per day.
Choice D reason: A urinary output of 650 ml/day is well above the threshold for oliguria. This output is closer to normal daily urine output, which typically ranges from 800 to 2000 ml/day, depending on fluid intake and other factors. Therefore, it does not indicate oliguria and would be considered within normal limits or slightly reduced, depending on the clinical context.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.