A nurse is caring for a client with peritonitis who is at risk of developing abdominal compartment syndrome. Which assessment finding should the nurse be most concerned about?
Increased urine output
Abdominal distension and firmness
Normal respiratory rate
Mild incisional pain
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Anemia refers to a low red blood cell count or hemoglobin level and is not directly related to an elevated white blood cell count.
Choice B reason:
An elevated white blood cell count is a common indicator of infection, such as in peritonitis, as the body's immune response is heightened to combat the inflammation and infection.
Choice C reason:
Hypoalbuminemia refers to low albumin levels in the blood and is not directly related to an elevated white blood cell count.
Choice D reason:
Dehydration may result in elevated blood cell counts due to hemoconcentration, but it is not the primary cause of an elevated white blood cell count in peritonitis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds are classic signs of paralytic ileus, a common complication of peritonitis.
Choice B reason:
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and may cause diarrhea and abdominal pain but is not related to the specific symptoms described.
Choice C reason:
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix and is not related to abdominal distension and decreased bowel sounds.
Choice D reason:
Constipation may cause abdominal distension, but decreased bowel sounds are not characteristic of constipation.
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