A nurse is collecting data from a client who has peritonitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Polyuria
Peripheral edema
Decreased respirations
Absent bowel sounds
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Polyuria is incorrect. Peritonitis doesn’t directly influence urine output. Polyuria (increased urine production) is more commonly associated with conditions affecting the kidneys or diabetes mellitus rather than peritonitis.
Choice B Reason:
Peripheral edema is incorrect. Peritonitis typically involves abdominal symptoms and signs rather than peripheral issues like edema. Edema can be related to heart, kidney, or circulatory system problems, but it's not a typical manifestation of peritonitis.
Choice C Reason:
Decreased respirations is incorrect. Peritonitis can cause pain and discomfort, which might affect the depth of breathing or result in shallow breathing due to guarding against abdominal pain. However, decreased respirations as a specific finding wouldn't commonly be expected in peritonitis. Pain might cause shallow breathing, but it wouldn't lead to a consistent decrease in respiratory rate.
Choice D Reason:
Absent bowel sounds is correct. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. This condition often leads to the loss or significant reduction of bowel sounds due to the irritation and inflammation of the abdominal structures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Passing of flatus is correct. Passing flatus (gas) is an encouraging sign that the digestive system is functioning and that gas is moving through the colostomy. This is a positive indicator of colostomy function.
Choice B Reason:
Stoma is pinkish-red. A pinkish-red stoma indicates good blood circulation to the area, which is vital for the health of the stoma tissue. A healthy-colored stoma is a positive sign.
Choice C Reason:
Tolerating a clear liquid diet. Tolerating a clear liquid diet might be an indicator of gastrointestinal function, but it might not specifically confirm the functionality of the colostomy itself.
D. Absent bowel sounds
Absent bowel sounds might be present immediately postoperatively due to the effects of anesthesia and abdominal surgery. However, bowel sounds aren't a direct indicator of colostomy function.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Administering a prescribed oral dose of trazodone to the client is correct. Trazodone is sometimes used to manage agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease, as it has calming effects and can help reduce agitation and anxiety. However, the use of any medication should be based on the client's individualized treatment plan and prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Choice B Reason:
Encouraging ambulation might not be suitable if the client is agitated, as it could potentially escalate the situation or increase the risk of falls or injury. Safety should be a priority, and ambulation might not be advisable during a state of agitation.
Choice C Reason:
Isolating the client in their room is incorrect. Isolating the client might increase feelings of confusion, fear, or distress, potentially worsening the agitation. It's important to engage and support the client rather than isolate them, which can be distressing for someone with Alzheimer's disease.
Choice D Reason:
Applying bilateral wrist restraints to the client is incorrect. The use of restraints should only be considered as a last resort when all other measures have failed and when there's an immediate risk of harm to the client or others. Restraints can be physically and psychologically harmful, leading to increased agitation, anxiety, and potential injury. They should be used only under strict guidelines and with proper authorization when all other interventions have been exhausted.
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