A client with peritonitis develops an elevated white blood cell count. The nurse recognizes this laboratory finding as indicative of:

Anemia

Infection

Hypoalbuminemia

Dehydration

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason:

Anemia refers to a low red blood cell count or hemoglobin level and is not directly related to an elevated white blood cell count.

Choice B reason:

An elevated white blood cell count is a common indicator of infection, such as in peritonitis, as the body's immune response is heightened to combat the inflammation and infection.

Choice C reason:

Hypoalbuminemia refers to low albumin levels in the blood and is not directly related to an elevated white blood cell count.

Choice D reason:

Dehydration may result in elevated blood cell counts due to hemoconcentration, but it is not the primary cause of an elevated white blood cell count in peritonitis.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Administering pain medication is important for the client's comfort, but it is not the highest priority in managing sepsis, a life-threatening complication of peritonitis. Addressing the underlying infection with antibiotics takes precedence.

Choice B reason:

Monitoring vital signs is essential for assessing the client's condition, but initiating broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy is more critical in managing sepsis.

Choice C reason:

Initiating broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy is the highest priority in managing sepsis. Prompt administration of antibiotics is crucial to treat the bacterial infection and prevent its spread.

Choice D reason:

Providing deep breathing exercises is important for preventing respiratory complications, but it is not the highest priority compared to addressing sepsis with antibiotics.

A. Hypovolemic shock B. Paralytic ileus C. Intestinal obstruction D. Urinary retention

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Hypovolemic shock involves severe blood loss or fluid depletion and may present with signs of hypotension and tachycardia but is not directly related to the findings described.

Choice B reason:

Paralytic ileus is a lack of bowel motility that causes abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds, and it is a common complication of peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Intestinal obstruction involves a blockage of the intestines and may present with abdominal distension and altered bowel sounds, but it is not directly related to peritonitis in this context.

Choice D reason:

Urinary retention involves the inability to empty the bladder fully and is not related to the findings described in the scenario.

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A client with peritonitis develops an elevated white blood cell count. The nurse recognizes this laboratory finding as indicative of:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client with peritonitis who developed sepsis. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority in managing this complication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with peritonitis develops a wound infection at the surgical site. Which nursing intervention is essential in preventing the spread of infection?

A client is diagnosed with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). The nurse anticipates the need for which medical intervention?

A client with peritonitis presents with an elevated temperature, rapid heart rate, and shallow breathing. The nurse recognizes these signs as indicative of:

A client with peritonitis is undergoing diagnostic imaging. The nurse explains to the client that the purpose of this imaging is to:

A client with peritonitis reports experiencing sharp, sudden-onset pain that worsens with movement. The nurse recognizes this type of pain as:

A client with peritonitis is receiving intravenous (IV) antibiotics. The nurse should monitor the client for which potential side effect of antibiotic therapy?

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 presents to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain, tenderness, and fever. The client reports a recent history of ruptured appendix. The nurse suspects the client may be experiencing: