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

Bradycardia

Hypotension

bowel sounds

Increased urine output

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason:

Bradycardia is not a concerning finding in this context and may indicate a vagal response or be a side effect of certain medications.

Choice B reason:

Hypotension is a concerning finding and may indicate hypovolemic shock, a potentially life-threatening complication of peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Hyperactive bowel sounds are not a concerning finding in this context and may be a sign of gastrointestinal motility.

Choice D reason:

Increased urine output may be a positive finding but does not directly relate to the development of hypovolemic shock.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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.

A. Rebound tenderness B. Paralytic ileus C. Abdominal compartment syndrome D. Guarding

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Rebound tenderness refers to increased pain upon release of pressure during palpation and is not related to the finding of a rigid, board-like abdomen.

Choice B reason:

Paralytic ileus refers to a condition in which the intestines stop functioning, causing a lack of bowel sounds and distension, but it is not directly related to the rigid abdomen finding.

Choice C reason:

Abdominal compartment syndrome may cause abdominal distension and increased intra-abdominal pressure, but it does not necessarily result in a rigid, board-like abdomen.

Choice D reason:

The finding of a rigid, board-like abdomen upon palpation is known as guarding, which is a protective response of the abdominal muscles in peritonitis to minimize movement and protect the inflamed peritoneum.

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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