The nurse is reviewing the medical record of a patient with peritonitis.
Which prescription should prompt the nurse to seek clarification from the gastroenterologist?

• Increase fiber intake: This is nonessential at this time. While a high-fiber diet can help prevent future episodes of diverticulitis, it won’t help in the acute phase, especially when the client is unable to eat or drink without vomiting.
• CT of the abdomen with contrast: This is an anticipated action. A CT scan can help confirm the diagnosis of diverticulitis and assess the severity of the condition.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This is an anticipated action. A flexible sigmoidoscopy can help visualize the diverticula and assess the extent of the inflammation.

• Change IV fluids to 0.9% sodium chloride with KCl: This is an anticipated action. The client is likely dehydrated due to vomiting and unable to take oral fluids, so IV hydration is necessary. The client’s potassium level is at the lower end of the normal range, so adding KCl to the IV fluids can help prevent hypokalemia.
• Type and crossmatch blood: This is an anticipated action. The client has a positive stool occult blood test and a lower than normal hemoglobin and hematocrit, suggesting that he may be experiencing bleeding. It’s important to have blood ready for a transfusion if necessary.
• Administer IV piperacillin-tazobactam: This is contraindicated. Piperacillin-tazobactam is a penicillin-based antibiotic, and the client has a known allergy to penicillin. Another class of antibiotics should be used. Please note that these are potential actions and the healthcare provider should be informed immediately for further evaluation and management. It’s important to continue following the provider’s prescriptions and closely monitor the client’s condition.

Choice A rationale
Auscultation is an important step in an abdominal examination, but it is not the first step. It is performed after inspection and before percussion and palpation to ensure that the motility of the bowel and bowel sounds are not altered.
Choice B rationale
Inspection is the first step in an abdominal examination. This step involves visually examining the abdomen for any abnormalities, such as distension, discoloration, or visible peristalsis. The

nurse observes the color, shape, and movement of the abdomen, and looks for any visible masses, scars, or skin changes. This step provides valuable information about the patient’s overall health and potential issues that may require further investigation.
Choice C rationale
Percussion is a part of the abdominal examination, but it is not the first step. It is performed after inspection and auscultation. During percussion, the nurse taps on the abdomen to assess the size and position of the abdominal organs, and to detect any fluid or masses.
Choice D rationale
Palpation is the last step in an abdominal examination. It is performed after inspection, auscultation, and percussion. During palpation, the nurse uses their hands to feel the abdomen for any masses, tenderness, or organ enlargement.