A nurse is providing education to a group of older adult clients about the risk factors for peritonitis. Which factor is most likely to increase the susceptibility to peritonitis in older adults?

Choice A reason:

Administering oral antibiotics may be necessary for treating the wound infection, but it does not directly prevent the spread of infection.

Choice B reason:

Performing sterile dressing changes is essential in preventing the spread of infection and promoting wound healing.

Choice C reason:

Limiting visitors to the client's room may help reduce the risk of introducing new pathogens, but it is not the primary intervention for preventing wound infection.

Choice D reason:

Providing pain medication as needed is important for the client's comfort but does not directly prevent the spread of infection.

Choice A reason:

Continuous gastric suction is not primarily intended to prevent aspiration pneumonia, although it may indirectly help reduce the risk of aspiration in some cases.

Choice B reason:

Reducing intra-abdominal pressure is not the primary purpose of continuous gastric suction, although it may have some effect on the overall abdominal pressure.

Choice C reason:

Continuous gastric suction is not primarily intended to manage pain and discomfort in the client with peritonitis, although it may help alleviate some symptoms.

Choice D reason:

Promoting bowel rest is the main purpose of continuous gastric suction in the management of peritonitis. By reducing the workload of the gastrointestinal tract, the inflamed peritoneum can heal and recover more effectively.