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

Hypovolemic shock

Paralytic ileus

Intestinal obstruction

Urinary retention

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

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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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Preventing aspiration pneumonia is one of the benefits of an NG tube, but the primary purpose in peritonitis is to relieve abdominal distension caused by fluid and gas accumulation.

Choice B reason:

Relieving abdominal distension is the primary purpose of an NG tube in clients with peritonitis, as it helps remove fluid and gas from the stomach and intestines, reducing pressure on the peritoneum.

Choice C reason:

Monitoring gastric pH levels may be done with an NG tube in certain situations, but it is not the primary purpose in the context of peritonitis.

Choice D reason:

Administering enteral nutrition may be a secondary purpose of an NG tube in some cases, but it is not the primary goal in clients with peritonitis.

A. Increased urine output B. Abdominal distension and firmness C. Normal respiratory rate D. Mild incisional pain

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Increased urine output is not a concerning finding in this context and may indicate adequate fluid resuscitation.

Choice B reason:

Abdominal distension and firmness are concerning findings and may indicate the development of abdominal compartment syndrome, a serious complication of peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Normal respiratory rate is a positive finding, but it does not directly relate to the development of abdominal compartment syndrome.

Choice D reason:

Mild incisional pain is expected after surgery, but it does not indicate the development of abdominal compartment syndrome.

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with peritonitis is prescribed a nasogastric (NG) tube for decompression. The nurse understands that the primary purpose of the NG tube is to:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with peritonitis who is at risk of developing abdominal compartment syndrome. Which assessment finding should the nurse be most concerned about?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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

A client with suspected peritonitis is undergoing abdominal imaging. The nurse prepares the client for which diagnostic imaging modality that can provide detailed images of the peritoneal organs and structures?

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

A nurse is caring for a client with peritonitis and is reviewing the client's medical history. Which condition places the client at an increased risk of developing peritonitis?

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

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