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:

Administering oral antibiotics may be necessary for treating the wound infection, but it does not directly prevent the spread of infection.

Choice B reason:

Performing sterile dressing changes is essential in preventing the spread of infection and promoting wound healing.

Choice C reason:

Limiting visitors to the client's room may help reduce the risk of introducing new pathogens, but it is not the primary intervention for preventing wound infection.

Choice D reason:

Providing pain medication as needed is important for the client's comfort but does not directly prevent the spread of infection.

Choice A reason:

Abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds are classic signs of paralytic ileus, a common complication of peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and may cause diarrhea and abdominal pain but is not related to the specific symptoms described.

Choice C reason:

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix and is not related to abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds.

Choice D reason:

Constipation may cause abdominal distension, but decreased bowel sounds are not characteristic of constipation.