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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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.

A. Bradycardia B. Hypertension C. Respiratory depression D. Diarrhea

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Bradycardia is not a common side effect of opioid use in clients with peritonitis.

Choice B reason:

Hypertension is not a common side effect of opioid use in clients with peritonitis.

Choice C reason:

Respiratory depression is a potential side effect of opioid use and is a significant concern in clients with peritonitis, as they may already have compromised respiratory function.

Choice D reason:

Diarrhea is not

a common side effect of opioid use in clients with peritonitis.

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A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with peritonitis. Which intervention is the highest priority in the management of this condition?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with peritonitis is prescribed intravenous (IV) opioids for pain management. The nurse closely monitors the client for which potential side effect?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with peritonitis develops a wound infection at the surgical site. Which nursing intervention is essential in preventing the spread of infection?

A client with peritonitis is receiving intravenous (IV) antibiotics. The nurse should monitor the client for which potential side effect of antibiotic therapy?

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

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:

A client with peritonitis is undergoing diagnostic imaging. The nurse explains to the client that the purpose of this imaging is to:

A client presents to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain, tenderness, and fever. The client reports a recent history of ruptured appendix. The nurse suspects the client may be experiencing:

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

A client with peritonitis develops hypotension and tachycardia. The nurse recognizes these signs as possible indications of which complication?