A client with a history of appendectomy develops peritonitis. The nurse anticipates which diagnostic test to confirm the diagnosis?
Chest X-ray
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Abdominal ultrasound
Complete blood count (CBC)
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
A chest X-ray is not the primary diagnostic test for peritonitis.
Choice B reason:
An ECG is used to assess cardiac function and is not specific to peritonitis.
Choice C reason:
An abdominal ultrasound is commonly used to diagnose peritonitis and can help visualize inflammation or fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
Choice D reason:
A CBC may show elevated white blood cell count, which is an indication of infection, but it is not a confirmatory test for peritonitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to assess the electrical activity of the heart, not the abdomen.
Choice B reason:
An abdominal X-ray provides a basic overview of the abdomen but may not offer detailed images of the peritoneal organs and structures.
Choice C reason:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide high-resolution images of the abdominal organs and structures, including the peritoneum, making it a valuable diagnostic tool for suspected peritonitis.
Choice D reason:
Ultrasonography can provide images of the abdominal organs, but it may not offer the level of detail provided by MRI in assessing peritonitis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Removal of fluid from the pleural cavity would be a thoracentesis, not a paracentesis.
Choice B reason:
Removal of fluid from the pericardial sac would be a pericardiocentesis, not a paracentesis.
Choice C reason:
A diagnostic paracentesis involves removing fluid from the peritoneal cavity to analyze for signs of infection and inflammation, which is important in diagnosing peritonitis.
Choice D reason:
Removal of fluid from the spinal canal would be a lumbar puncture, not a paracentesis.
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