A client has symptoms associated with salmonellosis. Which data is most relevant for the nurse to obtain from the client's history?

A. Abdominal cramping can occur with various gastrointestinal conditions, including peritonitis. However, it is not specific to peritonitis and may also be present in conditions like gastroenteritis or bowel obstruction.
B. Profuse diarrhea is typically associated with gastrointestinal infections or inflammatory bowel diseases rather than peritonitis. In fact, peritonitis often leads to reduced bowel activity, potentially resulting in constipation rather than diarrhea.
C. Hyperactive bowel sounds can occur in early stages of peritonitis but are not a classic finding. In many cases of peritonitis, bowel sounds may be diminished or absent due to the body’s response to inflammation. While it might be observed in some instances, it is not characteristic of peritonitis.
D. This is a classic and significant finding in peritonitis. A hard, rigid abdomen indicates muscle guarding, which is the body’s response to inflammation and irritation of the peritoneum. This rigidity is often referred to as "board-like" and is a key indicator of peritonitis.

A. While emotional stress can impact overall health and potentially weaken the immune system, it is not directly related to the transmission or risk factors for salmonellosis. This information is less relevant in identifying the cause of the gastrointestinal symptoms.
B. Smoking can affect general health and immune function, but it is not specifically related to salmonellosis. While it may be a contributing factor to the client's overall health status, it doesn’t provide direct insights into potential sources of infection or recent exposures.
C. Salmonellosis is often linked to foodborne sources, particularly undercooked or contaminated foods. Knowing what the client has eaten can help identify potential sources of the infection and assist in managing the condition effectively. It can also guide public health reporting if a particular food source is identified as a risk.
D. A history of colon cancer could affect the client’s gastrointestinal health, but it is not directly relevant to the diagnosis of salmonellosis. While it may be useful to know for the overall health context, it does not help in identifying the source or confirming the diagnosis of salmonellosis.