A nurse is caring for a client with peritonitis who developed sepsis. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority in managing this complication?

Administering pain medication as prescribed

Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours

Initiating broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy

Providing deep breathing 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 managing sepsis, a life-threatening complication 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 broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy is more critical in managing sepsis.

Choice C reason:

Initiating broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy is the highest priority in managing sepsis. Prompt administration of antibiotics is crucial to treat the bacterial infection and prevent its spread.

Choice D reason:

Providing deep breathing exercises is important for preventing respiratory complications, but it is not the highest priority compared to addressing sepsis with antibiotics.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Fever and diarrhea are not specific early signs of peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

Abdominal distension and flatulence may occur for various reasons after abdominal surgery, but they are not specific to peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Nausea and vomiting can be caused by various post-operative factors and are not specific to peritonitis.

Choice D reason:

Sudden-onset severe abdominal pain and tenderness are classic early signs of peritonitis and indicate the need for immediate medical attention.

A. Prevent aspiration pneumonia B. Reduce intra-abdominal pressure C. Manage pain and discomfort D. Promote bowel rest

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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.

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A nurse is caring for a client with peritonitis who developed sepsis. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority in managing this complication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client underwent abdominal surgery and is now at risk of developing peritonitis. The nurse teaches the client about the early signs and symptoms of peritonitis. What should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is preparing a care plan for a client with peritonitis. Which nursing intervention is essential to include in the plan to address potential complications of this condition?

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