A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving peritoneal dialysis for manifestations of peritonitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the first indication of peritonitis?
Abdominal pain
Cloudy effluent
Nausea
Fever
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Abdominal pain: While abdominal pain can occur with peritonitis, it often develops after the initial changes in the dialysate effluent. Pain may also be related to catheter placement or dialysate temperature, so it is not the earliest definitive indicator.
B. Cloudy effluent: Cloudy dialysate is typically the first and most reliable sign of peritonitis in clients receiving peritoneal dialysis. It indicates the presence of white blood cells and infection in the peritoneal cavity before systemic symptoms appear.
C. Nausea: Nausea may occur later as part of the systemic inflammatory response, but it is nonspecific and can be caused by multiple factors, including the dialysis process itself or other gastrointestinal disturbances.
D. Fever: Fever is a later manifestation of peritonitis, often developing after local signs are present. It indicates systemic involvement and immune activation but is not the earliest detectable change.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","G"]
Explanation
Rationale for Correct Answers:
- Uterus firm at 1 cm above the umbilicus and tender to palpation: Normally, by postpartum day 3, the uterus should be well below the umbilicus. A uterus that is still above and tender suggests endometritis or subinvolution, especially when combined with foul-smelling lochia.
- Moderate amount of dark brown, foul-smelling lochia noted: Lochia should progress from rubra (day 1–3, red) → serosa (day 4–10, pink/brown) → alba (day 10 onward, white/yellow). Foul-smelling lochia is a hallmark of uterine infection (endometritis).
- Temperature 38.2° C (100.8° F): A postpartum fever ≥38°C on two occasions, or even once when associated with uterine tenderness and foul lochia, is significant and indicates infection.
- WBC count 33,000/mm³: Although WBCs can be physiologically elevated postpartum (up to 20,000–25,000), a count this high is abnormal and strongly suggests severe infection.
Rationale for Incorrect Answers:
- Surgical incision well approximated with slight edema present: Mild edema is expected in the early healing process; no erythema, drainage, or dehiscence is noted, so no immediate concern.
- Respiratory rate 18/min: This is within normal range (12–20/min), no evidence of respiratory compromise.
SaO₂ 97% on room air: This is normal oxygen saturation, not concerning
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Place the head of the client's bed flat with the client's legs extended: Positioning flat may increase tension on the abdominal incision, potentially worsening the dehiscence. A low Fowler’s position with knees slightly bent is preferred to reduce strain on the wound.
B. Apply butterfly strips to approximate the wound edges: Forcing the wound edges together could trap bacteria inside and increase the risk of infection. Dehiscence requires moist protection, not forced closure at the bedside.
C. Apply pressure directly to the wound for 15 min: Direct pressure is appropriate for active bleeding, not for dehiscence. Applying pressure could damage tissues further and does not address the need to protect exposed structures.
D. Place a sterile, saline-soaked dressing on the wound: A moist sterile dressing protects the wound from contamination, prevents the tissues from drying, and reduces the risk of infection while awaiting further surgical evaluation.
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