A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with peritonitis. Which intervention is the highest priority in the management of this condition?
Administering pain medication as prescribed
Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours
Initiating intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy
Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Administering pain medication is important for the client's comfort, but it is not the highest priority in the management of peritonitis. Addressing the underlying infection with antibiotics takes precedence.
Choice B reason:
Monitoring vital signs is essential for assessing the client's condition, but initiating antibiotic therapy is more critical to address the underlying infection.
Choice C reason:
Initiating intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy is the highest priority in the management of peritonitis. Prompt administration of antibiotics is essential to treat the bacterial infection and prevent its spread.
Choice D reason:
Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises is beneficial for preventing respiratory complications, but it is not the highest priority compared to addressing the infection with antibiotics.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Ascites refers to the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity and does not necessarily cause bloating and distension of the abdomen in the context of peritonitis.
Choice B reason:
Intestinal obstruction can occur in peritonitis when inflammation or infection causes the intestines to become blocked, leading to bloating and distension of the abdomen.
Choice C reason:
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix and may cause pain, but it is not associated with generalized bloating and distension of the abdomen.
Choice D reason:
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and may cause abdominal pain, but it is not associated with generalized bloating and distension of the abdomen.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to the development of gastric ulcers but is not directly related to an increased risk of peritonitis in clients with perforated gastric ulcers.
Choice B reason:
A sedentary lifestyle is not directly related to an increased risk of peritonitis in clients with perforated gastric ulcers.
Choice C reason:
Gastric acid hypersecretion can contribute to the formation of gastric ulcers and increase the risk of perforation, which can lead to peritonitis.
Choice D reason:
Frequent use of antacids may alleviate symptoms of gastric ulcers but is not directly related to an increased risk of peritonitis in clients with perforated gastric ulcers.
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