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

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 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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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.

A. Ascites B. Intestinal obstruction C. Appendicitis D. Pancreatitis

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.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is caring for a client with peritonitis who developed sepsis. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority in managing this complication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with peritonitis is experiencing severe abdominal pain. The nurse assesses the client's abdomen and notes that it appears bloated and distended. The nurse recognizes this as a potential sign of:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with peritonitis presents with an elevated temperature, rapid heart rate, and shallow breathing. The nurse recognizes these signs as indicative of:

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

A client with peritonitis reports experiencing sharp, sudden-onset pain that worsens with movement. The nurse recognizes this type of pain as:

A client with suspected peritonitis is scheduled for diagnostic paracentesis. The nurse explains to the client that this procedure involves:

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

A nurse is caring for a client with peritonitis and is reviewing the client's medical history. Which condition places the client at an increased risk of developing peritonitis?

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