A nurse caring for a client with acute peritonitis reviews the physician's orders. The orders include an NPO diet, insertion of a nasogastric tube set to low intermittent suction, and IV fluids at 50 mL per hour. When asked why he will need the NG tube, what is the nurse's best reply?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because administering IV ketorolac is not a priority intervention for a client with cholecystitis. Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney damage, which are contraindicated in cholecystitis. The nurse should administer analgesics as prescribed, but only after assessing the pain level and severity.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because reporting findings to healthcare provider is not a priority intervention for a client with cholecystitis. The nurse should communicate with the healthcare provider about the client's condition and treatment plan, but only after assessing the pain level and other vital signs.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because offering a high-calorie, high-fat meal is not an intervention for a client with cholecystitis, but a potential trigger. High-fat foods can stimulate the gallbladder to contract and cause more pain and inflammation. The nurse should advise the client to avoid fatty foods and follow a low-fat diet.

Choice D reason: This is the correct answer because assessing the pain level is a priority intervention for a client with cholecystitis. Pain is the most common symptom of cholecystitis and can indicate the severity and complications of the condition. The nurse should assess the pain level using a numeric or descriptive scale, and monitor for changes in location, intensity, and duration.

Choice A Reason: Colorectal cancer is not likely to cause nausea with projectile vomiting or high-pitched sounds in the left upper quadrant. Colorectal cancer may cause symptoms such as rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or weight loss.

Choice B Reason: Paralytic ileus is a condition where the bowel stops working and does not contract or move food along. Paralytic ileus may cause symptoms such as abdominal distension, absence of bowel sounds, constipation, or vomiting.

Choice C Reason: Large bowel obstruction is a blockage of the colon or rectum that prevents the passage of stool. Large bowel obstruction may cause symptoms such as abdominal distension, low-pitched sounds in the right lower quadrant, constipation, or ribbon-like stools.

Choice D Reason: Small bowel obstruction is a blockage of the small intestine that prevents the passage of food and fluids. Small bowel obstruction may cause symptoms such as nausea with projectile vomiting, high-pitched sounds in the left upper quadrant, abdominal cramps, or dehydration.