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 C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Recent travel to a tropical region is not a risk factor for peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

A history of asthma is not a risk factor for peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Prior abdominal surgery is a significant risk factor for peritonitis because it can lead to perforation of the gastrointestinal tract and the spread of bacteria into the peritoneal cavity.

Choice D reason:

A vegetarian diet is not a risk factor for peritonitis.

A. Hypoglycemia B. Hyperthyroidism C. Sepsis D. Renal failure

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels and is not directly related to the signs described in the scenario.

Choice B reason:

Hyperthyroidism involves an overactive thyroid gland and may cause symptoms such as weight loss and heat intolerance but is not associated with the signs described.

Choice C reason:

The client's high fever, chills, and profuse sweating are suggestive of sepsis, a severe systemic infection often resulting from peritonitis.

Choice D reason:

Renal failure involves impaired kidney function and may present with specific signs, but it is not directly related to the signs described in the scenario.

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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 is admitted to the hospital with peritonitis. The nurse is conducting an assessment and asks the client about their recent medical history. Which risk factor is most likely associated with the development of peritonitis in this client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client with suspected peritonitis. Which clinical finding is a hallmark sign of this condition?

A client is recovering from peritonitis and is being discharged from the hospital. The nurse provides discharge instructions and emphasizes the importance of:

A nurse is assessing a client with suspected peritonitis. Which symptom should the nurse expect the client to report?

A client with peritonitis presents with an elevated temperature, rapid heart rate, and shallow breathing. The nurse recognizes these signs as indicative of:

A nurse is providing education to a group of older adult clients about the risk factors for peritonitis. Which factor is most likely to increase the susceptibility to peritonitis in older adults?

A client with peritonitis is prescribed intravenous (IV) opioids for pain management. The nurse closely monitors the client for which potential side effect?

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

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