A nurse is caring for a client with peritonitis who developed sepsis. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority in managing this complication?
Administering pain medication as prescribed
Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours
Initiating broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy
Providing deep breathing 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 managing sepsis, a life-threatening complication 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 broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy is more critical in managing sepsis.
Choice C reason:
Initiating broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy is the highest priority in managing sepsis. Prompt administration of antibiotics is crucial to treat the bacterial infection and prevent its spread.
Choice D reason:
Providing deep breathing exercises is important for preventing respiratory complications, but it is not the highest priority compared to addressing sepsis with antibiotics.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Elevated serum creatinine levels are associated with kidney function and are not specific to peritonitis.
Choice B reason:
Elevated amylase and lipase levels are indicative of pancreatitis and are not directly related to peritonitis.
Choice C reason:
Elevated blood glucose levels may be indicative of diabetes or stress-related hyperglycemia but are not specific to peritonitis.
Choice D reason:
An elevated white blood cell count (WBC) is a common finding in peritonitis, indicating an inflammatory response and possible infection in the peritoneal cavity.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Increased urine output is not a concerning finding in this context and may indicate adequate fluid resuscitation.
Choice B reason:
Abdominal distension and firmness are concerning findings and may indicate the development of abdominal compartment syndrome, a serious complication of peritonitis.
Choice C reason:
Normal respiratory rate is a positive finding, but it does not directly relate to the development of abdominal compartment syndrome.
Choice D reason:
Mild incisional pain is expected after surgery, but it does not indicate the development of abdominal compartment syndrome.
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