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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)

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds are classic signs of paralytic ileus, a common complication of peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and may cause diarrhea and abdominal pain but is not related to the specific symptoms described.

Choice C reason:

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix and is not related to abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds.

Choice D reason:

Constipation may cause abdominal distension, but decreased bowel sounds are not characteristic of constipation.

A. Elevated serum creatinine levels B. Elevated amylase and lipase levels C. Elevated blood glucose levels D. Elevated white blood cell count (WBC)

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Elevated serum creatinine levels are associated with kidney function and are not specific to peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

Elevated amylase and lipase levels are indicative of pancreatitis and are not directly related to peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Elevated blood glucose levels may be indicative of diabetes or stress-related hyperglycemia but are not specific to peritonitis.

Choice D reason:

An elevated white blood cell count (WBC) is a common finding in peritonitis, indicating an inflammatory response and possible infection in the peritoneal cavity.

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A client with a history of appendectomy develops peritonitis. The nurse anticipates which diagnostic test to confirm the diagnosis?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with peritonitis is experiencing abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds. The nurse suspects the presence of:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client suspected of having peritonitis. Which finding is most indicative of this condition?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client with peritonitis is at risk of developing hypovolemic shock. Which assessment finding should the nurse be most concerned about?

A nurse is providing care to a client with peritonitis and is reviewing the client's medication history. Which medication places the client at an increased risk of developing peritonitis?

A client with peritonitis is at risk of developing septic shock. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse closely monitor to detect early signs of septic shock?

A client underwent abdominal surgery and is now at risk of developing peritonitis. The nurse teaches the client about the early signs and symptoms of peritonitis. What should the nurse include in the teaching?

A client with peritonitis is experiencing severe abdominal pain. The nurse recognizes that this pain may be exacerbated by which factor?

A client with suspected peritonitis is scheduled for diagnostic paracentesis. The nurse explains to the client that this procedure involves:

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?

A client with peritonitis experiences abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds on auscultation. The nurse recognizes these findings as suggestive of: