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 B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Correcting electrolyte imbalances is important in fluid resuscitation, but the primary goal is to prevent circulatory collapse and restore hemodynamic stability.

Choice B reason:

The primary goal of fluid resuscitation in peritonitis is to prevent circulatory collapse and maintain adequate blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs.

Choice C reason:

Maintaining adequate urine output is one of the indicators of effective fluid resuscitation, but it is not the primary goal in this context.

Choice D reason:

Restoring fluid balance is a goal of fluid resuscitation, but the primary focus is on preventing circulatory collapse and ensuring adequate tissue perfusion.

A. Hypovolemic shock B. Paralytic ileus C. Intestinal obstruction D. Urinary retention

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Hypovolemic shock involves severe blood loss or fluid depletion and may present with signs of hypotension and tachycardia but is not directly related to the findings described.

Choice B reason:

Paralytic ileus is a lack of bowel motility that causes abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds, and it is a common complication of peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Intestinal obstruction involves a blockage of the intestines and may present with abdominal distension and altered bowel sounds, but it is not directly related to peritonitis in this context.

Choice D reason:

Urinary retention involves the inability to empty the bladder fully and is not related to the findings described in the scenario.

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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 with peritonitis is prescribed intravenous (IV) fluid resuscitation. The nurse understands that the primary goal of fluid resuscitation is to:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with peritonitis experiences abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds on auscultation. The nurse recognizes these findings as suggestive of:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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

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A client with peritonitis develops an elevated white blood cell count. The nurse recognizes this laboratory finding as indicative of:

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A nurse is assessing a client suspected of having peritonitis. Which diagnostic test is most likely to be performed to confirm the diagnosis?

A client with peritonitis is undergoing diagnostic imaging. The nurse explains to the client that the purpose of this imaging is to: