A nurse is caring for a client with a recent perforated gastric ulcer. The nurse identifies that the client is at risk of developing peritonitis due to:

Choice A reason:

Continuous gastric suction is not primarily intended to prevent aspiration pneumonia, although it may indirectly help reduce the risk of aspiration in some cases.

Choice B reason:

Reducing intra-abdominal pressure is not the primary purpose of continuous gastric suction, although it may have some effect on the overall abdominal pressure.

Choice C reason:

Continuous gastric suction is not primarily intended to manage pain and discomfort in the client with peritonitis, although it may help alleviate some symptoms.

Choice D reason:

Promoting bowel rest is the main purpose of continuous gastric suction in the management of peritonitis. By reducing the workload of the gastrointestinal tract, the inflamed peritoneum can heal and recover more effectively.

Choice A reason:

Hypothermia refers to abnormally low body temperature and is not associated with the clinical presentation of peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

Hypertension refers to high blood pressure and is not directly associated with the signs of peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Hyperventilation involves rapid breathing but may not always be present in peritonitis.

Choice D reason:

The client's elevated temperature, rapid heart rate, and shallow breathing are indicative of a systemic inflammatory response, which is a characteristic feature of peritonitis.