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:

Severe headache and neck stiffness are signs of meningitis and are not directly related to peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

Rapid and shallow breathing may occur with other respiratory conditions but is not a hallmark sign of peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Abdominal rigidity and tenderness are hallmark signs of peritonitis and are caused by the inflammation of the peritoneum.

Choice D reason:

Hyperactive bowel sounds may occur with gastrointestinal disorders but are not specific to peritonitis.

A. Removal of fluid from the pleural cavity B. Removal of fluid from the pericardial sac C. Removal of fluid from the peritoneal cavity D. Removal of fluid from the spinal canal

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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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 assessing a client with suspected peritonitis. Which clinical finding is a hallmark sign of this condition?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assisting with a diagnostic paracentesis for a client with suspected peritonitis. The nurse understands that this procedure involves:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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

A nurse is assessing a client with suspected peritonitis. Which symptom should the nurse expect the client to report?

A client with peritonitis develops acute kidney injury (AKI). Which nursing intervention is essential in the management of this complication?

A client is admitted to the hospital with peritonitis. The nurse is conducting an assessment and asks the client about their recent medical history. Which risk factor is most likely associated with the development of peritonitis in this client?

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

A nurse is providing education to a group of clients about peritonitis and its risk factors. Which client is at the highest risk for developing peritonitis?

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:

A nurse is caring for a client with a recent perforated gastric ulcer. The nurse identifies that the client is at risk of developing peritonitis due to: