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

Rebound tenderness

Paralytic ileus

Abdominal compartment syndrome

Guarding

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason:

Rebound tenderness refers to increased pain upon release of pressure during palpation and is not related to the finding of a rigid, board-like abdomen.

Choice B reason:

Paralytic ileus refers to a condition in which the intestines stop functioning, causing a lack of bowel sounds and distension, but it is not directly related to the rigid abdomen finding.

Choice C reason:

Abdominal compartment syndrome may cause abdominal distension and increased intra-abdominal pressure, but it does not necessarily result in a rigid, board-like abdomen.

Choice D reason:

The finding of a rigid, board-like abdomen upon palpation is known as guarding, which is a protective response of the abdominal muscles in peritonitis to minimize movement and protect the inflamed peritoneum.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Assessing heart function requires specific cardiac imaging, not the imaging indicated for peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

Identifying bone fractures would require imaging specific to the bones, not the peritoneum.

Choice C reason:

Diagnostic imaging in peritonitis aims to detect inflammation and infection in the peritoneum, helping to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.

Choice D reason:

Evaluating lung health would involve pulmonary imaging, not the imaging indicated for peritonitis.

A. Elevated serum creatinine levels B. Elevated amylase and lipase levels C. Elevated blood glucose levels D. Elevated white blood cell count (WBC)

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Elevated serum creatinine levels are associated with kidney function and are not specific to peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

Elevated amylase and lipase levels are indicative of pancreatitis and are not directly related to peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Elevated blood glucose levels may be indicative of diabetes or stress-related hyperglycemia but are not specific to peritonitis.

Choice D reason:

An elevated white blood cell count (WBC) is a common finding in peritonitis, indicating an inflammatory response and possible infection in the peritoneal cavity.

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client suspected of having peritonitis. Which finding is most indicative of this condition?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client with peritonitis reports experiencing sharp, sudden-onset pain that worsens with movement. The nurse recognizes this type of pain as:

A client with peritonitis develops a high fever, chills, and profuse sweating. The nurse recognizes these signs as indicative of:

A nurse is assisting with a diagnostic paracentesis for a client with suspected peritonitis. The nurse understands that this procedure involves:

A client with cirrhosis is admitted to the hospital with suspected peritonitis. The nurse understands that cirrhosis is a significant risk factor for peritonitis due to:

A nurse is providing care to a client with peritonitis and is reviewing the client's medication history. Which medication places the client at an increased risk of developing peritonitis?

A client with peritonitis is prescribed continuous gastric suction. The nurse understands that this intervention is essential to:

A client with peritonitis is receiving intravenous (IV) antibiotics. The nurse should monitor the client for which potential side effect of antibiotic therapy?

A client with peritonitis is prescribed intravenous (IV) antibiotics. The nurse ensures to: