A nurse is providing care to a client who has peritonitis. Which of the following conditions is the highest priority for
the nurse to monitor?
Heart atack
Diabetes
Respiratory failure
Sepsis
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: While a heart atack is a serious condition, it is not directly related to peritonitis. Peritonitis can lead to systemic infection, which may indirectly affect the heart, but it is not the primary concern in the immediate care of peritonitis.
Choice B reason: Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. However, it is not the most immediate threat when a client is diagnosed with peritonitis. The nurse should continue to monitor blood glucose levels as part of routine care.
Choice C reason: Respiratory failure can be a complication of peritonitis if the infection spreads and affects other systems. However, the primary concern with peritonitis is the potential for the infection to lead to sepsis.
Choice D reason: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can occur as a complication of peritonitis. It happens when the body's response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. Monitoring for signs of sepsis is crucial because early intervention can be lifesaving.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Taking 3,000 mg of vitamin C daily is not recommended as it may increase the risk of calcium oxalate stones due to possible conversion of vitamin C to oxalate.
Choice B reason: Drinking 3 L of fluid every day is advised to prevent kidney stones by diluting the urine and reducing the concentration of stone-forming substances.
Choice C reason: Eating 12 oz of animal protein daily is excessive and can increase the risk of kidney stones due to higher excretion of calcium and oxalate.
Choice D reason: Restricting calcium intake to one serving per day is not recommended as a normal calcium intake is necessary to bind oxalate in the gut and reduce oxalate absorption.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: While a low-protein diet can help manage electrolyte imbalances, it is not specifically targeted at reducing the risk for hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is more directly managed by restricting foods high in potassium.
Choice B reason: A low-protein diet helps reduce the risk for uremia, which is the accumulation of waste products in the blood due to impaired kidney function. By consuming less protein, there is less urea and other nitrogenous wastes for the kidneys to filter, which can help delay the progression of kidney disease.
Choice C reason: Edema is related to fluid retention and not directly to protein intake. A low-protein diet does not specifically reduce the risk for edema unless it is associated with kidney dysfunction affecting fluid balance.
Choice D reason: A low-protein diet will indeed decrease the amount of nitrogenous waste in the blood because less protein breakdown means less waste for the kidneys to remove. However, this choice is less specific than Choice B, which directly addresses the condition of uremia that is a concern for patients with chronic kidney failure.
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