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:

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.

A. Administering oxygen as prescribed B. Elevating the head of the bed C. Monitoring blood pressure regularly D. Administering bronchodilator medication

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Administering oxygen as prescribed is the priority intervention in managing acute respiratory distress to improve oxygenation and support respiratory function.

Choice B reason:

Elevating the head of the bed is helpful for promoting lung expansion, but it is not the priority intervention in managing acute respiratory distress.

Choice C reason:

Monitoring blood pressure regularly is essential in assessing the client's overall condition, but it does not directly address the respiratory distress.

Choice D reason:

Administering bronchodilator medication is not the priority intervention in managing acute respiratory distress unless there is a specific indication for its use.

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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 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 peritonitis is experiencing acute respiratory distress. Which intervention is the nurse's priority in managing this complication?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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

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