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A nurse is assessing a client with suspected peritonitis. Which clinical finding is a hallmark sign of this condition?

Severe headache and neck stiffness

Rapid and shallow breathing

Abdominal rigidity and tenderness

Hyperactive bowel sounds

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason:

Severe headache and neck stiffness are signs of meningitis and are not directly related to peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

Rapid and shallow breathing may occur with other respiratory conditions but is not a hallmark sign of peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Abdominal rigidity and tenderness are hallmark signs of peritonitis and are caused by the inflammation of the peritoneum.

Choice D reason:

Hyperactive bowel sounds may occur with gastrointestinal disorders but are not specific to peritonitis.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Referred pain is pain that is felt in a different location from its source, and it is not directly associated with the sharp, sudden-onset pain described by the client.

Choice B reason:

Visceral pain arises from the internal organs and is often described as sharp and colicky. It worsens with movement and is a characteristic feature of peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Neuropathic pain is caused by nerve damage and is not typically associated with peritonitis.

Choice D reason:

Radiating pain is pain that extends from its source to other areas, and it is not specifically described in the scenario.

A. Increased blood pressure B. Bradycardia C. Warm, flushed skin D. Rapid, shallow breathing

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Increased blood pressure is not characteristic of septic shock. Septic shock is associated with low blood pressure.

Choice B reason:

Bradycardia is not a typical sign of septic shock. Tachycardia is more common in septic shock.

Choice C reason:

Warm, flushed skin is not typical in septic shock. Septic shock is associated with cold, clammy skin.

Choice D reason:

Rapid, shallow breathing is a common early sign of septic shock and indicates the body's attempt to compensate for the decreased cardiac output.

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A nurse is assessing a client with suspected peritonitis. Which clinical finding is a hallmark sign of this condition?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with peritonitis reports experiencing sharp, sudden-onset pain that worsens with movement. The nurse recognizes this type of pain as:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with peritonitis is at risk of developing septic shock. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse closely monitor to detect early signs of septic shock?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client with peritonitis develops a wound infection at the surgical site. Which nursing intervention is essential in preventing the spread of infection?

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A client with peritonitis develops acute kidney injury (AKI). Which nursing intervention is essential in the management of this complication?

A client with peritonitis is experiencing severe abdominal pain. The nurse assesses the client's abdomen and notes that it appears bloated and distended. The nurse recognizes this as a potential sign of:

A nurse is providing care to a client with peritonitis and is reviewing the client's medication history. Which medication places the client at an increased risk of developing peritonitis?

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