A nurse caring for a client with peritonitis observes the client assuming a fetal position and exhibiting restlessness. The nurse interprets these behaviors as indicative of:

Anxiety

Fatigue

Pain

Respiratory distress

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason:

Anxiety may lead to restlessness, but the assumption of a fetal position suggests a pain response, which is a common finding in peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

Fatigue may lead to restlessness, but it does not explain the assumption of a fetal position, which is a pain-coping mechanism.

Choice C reason:

The client assuming a fetal position and exhibiting restlessness are indicative of pain, which is a common symptom in peritonitis.

Choice D reason:

Respiratory distress is not directly related to the findings described in the scenario.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to assess the electrical activity of the heart and is not specific to diagnosing peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

A complete blood count (CBC) may reveal elevated white blood cell count and inflammatory markers, but it alone cannot confirm the diagnosis of peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

A chest X-ray may be performed to rule out other conditions, but it is not the primary diagnostic test for peritonitis.

Choice D reason:

An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan is a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying signs of inflammation and infection in the peritoneal cavity, aiding in the confirmation of 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 nurse caring for a client with peritonitis observes the client assuming a fetal position and exhibiting restlessness. The nurse interprets these behaviors as indicative of:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client suspected of having peritonitis. Which diagnostic test is most likely to be performed to confirm the diagnosis?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with peritonitis and observes a rigid, board-like abdomen upon palpation. The nurse recognizes this finding as:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client with peritonitis develops a high fever, chills, and profuse sweating. The nurse recognizes these signs as indicative of:

A client with peritonitis is experiencing acute respiratory distress. Which intervention is the nurse's 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 nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with peritonitis. Which intervention is the highest priority in the management of this condition?

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client suspected of having peritonitis. Which finding is most indicative of this condition?

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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:

A nurse is caring for a client with peritonitis and anticipates the need for a paracentesis. What is the purpose of a paracentesis in this client?