A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with peritonitis. Which intervention is the highest priority in the management of this condition?

Administering pain medication as prescribed

Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours

Initiating intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy

Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason:

Administering pain medication is important for the client's comfort, but it is not the highest priority in the management of peritonitis. Addressing the underlying infection with antibiotics takes precedence.

Choice B reason:

Monitoring vital signs is essential for assessing the client's condition, but initiating antibiotic therapy is more critical to address the underlying infection.

Choice C reason:

Initiating intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy is the highest priority in the management of peritonitis. Prompt administration of antibiotics is essential to treat the bacterial infection and prevent its spread.

Choice D reason:

Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises is beneficial for preventing respiratory complications, but it is not the highest priority compared to addressing the infection with antibiotics.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, which is not related to a ruptured appendix.

Choice B reason:

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, which may cause abdominal pain but is not related to a ruptured appendix.

Choice C reason:

Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity. It can occur as a complication of a ruptured appendix and presents with severe abdominal pain, tenderness, and fever.

Choice D reason:

Diverticulitis is inflammation of the diverticula (small pouches) in the colon and is not related to a ruptured appendix.

A. Chest X-ray B. Electrocardiogram (ECG) C. Abdominal ultrasound D. Complete blood count (CBC)

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

A chest X-ray is not the primary diagnostic test for peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

An ECG is used to assess cardiac function and is not specific to peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

An abdominal ultrasound is commonly used to diagnose peritonitis and can help visualize inflammation or fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

Choice D reason:

A CBC may show elevated white blood cell count, which is an indication of infection, but it is not a confirmatory test for peritonitis.

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A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with peritonitis. Which intervention is the highest priority in the management of this condition?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client presents to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain, tenderness, and fever. The client reports a recent history of ruptured appendix. The nurse suspects the client may be experiencing:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with a history of appendectomy develops peritonitis. The nurse anticipates which diagnostic test to confirm the diagnosis?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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