A nurse is caring for a client with peritonitis and observes a rigid, board-like abdomen upon palpation. The nurse recognizes this finding as:

Choice A reason:

Abdominal compartment syndrome may present with abdominal distension and firmness but is not directly associated with hypotension and tachycardia.

Choice B reason:

Respiratory distress syndrome may manifest with respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea and decreased oxygen saturation but is not directly associated with hypotension and tachycardia.

Choice C reason:

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to infection and can cause hypotension and tachycardia as part of its clinical presentation.

Choice D reason:

Gastrointestinal bleeding may present with symptoms such as melena or hematemesis but is not directly associated with hypotension and tachycardia.

Choice A reason:

Changing the IV site every 24 hours is not necessary for IV antibiotic administration unless there is an indication of infiltration or infection at the site.

Choice B reason:

Administering the antibiotics using an infusion pump is essential to ensure accurate and controlled delivery of the medication, particularly when the client's condition requires a precise dosing schedule.

Choice C reason:

Discontinuing the antibiotics after 48 hours of improvement may lead to a recurrence of the infection. Clients with peritonitis often require a full course of antibiotic therapy to ensure complete eradication of the infection.

Choice D reason:

Administering the antibiotics through a peripheral IV catheter may not be suitable for the client's condition, as peritonitis may necessitate the use of a central line for administration of IV medications.