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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:

Increased production of stomach acid is not directly related to peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

Cirrhosis is a condition where the liver is scarred and impaired in function. The liver plays a crucial role in immune function, and impaired liver function can lead to increased susceptibility to infections like peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Gallbladder dysfunction is not directly related to peritonitis.

Choice D reason:

Chronic lung disease is not directly related to peritonitis.

A. Rebound tenderness B. Paralytic ileus C. Abdominal compartment syndrome D. Guarding

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Rebound tenderness refers to increased pain upon release of pressure during palpation and is not related to the finding of a rigid, board-like abdomen.

Choice B reason:

Paralytic ileus refers to a condition in which the intestines stop functioning, causing a lack of bowel sounds and distension, but it is not directly related to the rigid abdomen finding.

Choice C reason:

Abdominal compartment syndrome may cause abdominal distension and increased intra-abdominal pressure, but it does not necessarily result in a rigid, board-like abdomen.

Choice D reason:

The finding of a rigid, board-like abdomen upon palpation is known as guarding, which is a protective response of the abdominal muscles in peritonitis to minimize movement and protect the inflamed peritoneum.

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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 cirrhosis is admitted to the hospital with suspected peritonitis. The nurse understands that cirrhosis is a significant risk factor for peritonitis due to:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with peritonitis and observes a rigid, board-like abdomen upon palpation. The nurse recognizes this finding as:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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