A nurse is providing teaching to a client and his partner about performing peritoneal dialysis at home. When discussing peritonitis, which of the following manifestations should the nurse identify as the earliest indication of this complication?

Correct choice isright infront of the ear

Rationale

Chvostek's sign is a clinical indicator of hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood). It suggests increased neuromuscular irritability due to low calcium levels affecting nerve excitability.

To elicit Chvostek's sign, the examiner taps lightly over the facial nerve in front of the earlobe. A positive response is observed as twitching or spasm of the facial muscles, typically the lips, nose, and cheek on the same side.

C. The blood pressure readings show significant variability (164/80 mm Hg at 1000, 176/82 mm Hg at 1015, and 110/62 mm Hg at 1200). These fluctuations, especially the higher readings, indicate potential instability and require close monitoring and possibly intervention.
D. The client's pain level is described as 7/10 initially (1000) and decreases to 5/10 after nitroglycerin (1200). Although the pain has decreased, ongoing assessment is necessary to ensure it does not worsen or change in nature.
E. The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) shows tachycardia with ST segment elevation and T wave changes, which are indicative of myocardial ischemia or infarction. This finding requires immediate attention as it suggests ongoing cardiac damage.
G. The troponin T level is elevated at 0.40 ng/mL (normal is less than 0.1 ng/mL). Troponin elevation indicates myocardial injury or infarction and confirms the seriousness of the cardiac event. This finding requires immediate attention to assess the extent of myocardial damage and guide further treatment.

Incorrect Choices
A. While it is slightly elevated, it is not significantly outside the normal range and does not suggest immediate danger or require urgent intervention in the context of the acute cardiac issue. However, monitoring blood glucose levels is important for overall management, especially in a client with diabetes mellitus.
B. The assessment of bowel sounds being present in all 4 quadrants is a normal finding and indicates normal gastrointestinal function. While bowel sounds are important for assessing gastrointestinal health, they are not immediately pertinent to the acute cardiac issue described in the scenario.
F. The nurse notes that lung sounds are clear to auscultation in all lobes, which is a normal finding. Clear lung sounds suggest normal respiratory function and do not require immediate attention in the context of the acute cardiac event described.