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?

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:

Slower metabolism is a normal age-related change but is not directly related to an increased susceptibility to peritonitis in older adults.

Choice B reason:

Older adults may have decreased immune function, which can increase their susceptibility to infections, including peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Increased bone density is not directly related to an increased susceptibility to peritonitis in older adults.

Choice D reason:

Reduced gastrointestinal motility is a normal age-related change but is not directly related to an increased susceptibility to peritonitis in older adults.