What assessment findings support the diagnosis of peritonitis?

Abdominal cramping

Profuse diarrhea

Hyperactive bowel sounds

A hard, rigid abdomen

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Abdominal cramping can occur with various gastrointestinal conditions, including peritonitis. However, it is not specific to peritonitis and may also be present in conditions like gastroenteritis or bowel obstruction.
B.   Profuse diarrhea is typically associated with gastrointestinal infections or inflammatory bowel diseases rather than peritonitis. In fact, peritonitis often leads to reduced bowel activity, potentially resulting in constipation rather than diarrhea.
C.   Hyperactive bowel sounds can occur in early stages of peritonitis but are not a classic finding. In many cases of peritonitis, bowel sounds may be diminished or absent due to the body’s response to inflammation. While it might be observed in some instances, it is not characteristic of peritonitis.
D.   This is a classic and significant finding in peritonitis. A hard, rigid abdomen indicates muscle guarding, which is the body’s response to inflammation and irritation of the peritoneum. This rigidity is often referred to as "board-like" and is a key indicator of peritonitis.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Total bilirubin levels are primarily associated with liver function and hemolysis. While malnutrition can impact liver function, total bilirubin is not a direct indicator of nutritional status or malnutrition.
B. Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscles. Its levels are typically associated with muscle damage or myocardial infarction. While malnutrition can impact muscle mass, CK is not specifically altered due to malnutrition alone.
C. Troponin is a protein released when the heart muscle is damaged. It is primarily used as a biomarker for myocardial injury. Malnutrition does not directly affect troponin levels, so this is not a relevant finding in the context of malnutrition.
D. Albumin is a protein produced by the liver and is a key indicator of nutritional status. Low albumin levels can indicate malnutrition, particularly protein deficiency. In cases of anorexia and malnutrition, albumin levels are often decreased due to inadequate protein intake and poor nutritional status.

A. Borborygmi sounds B. Nausea and vomiting C. Dizziness D. Hypertension

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Borborygmi refers to the audible sounds produced by the movement of gas and fluid in the intestines. This can occur in dumping syndrome due to increased intestinal motility and rapid gastric emptying, making this a present manifestation.
B. Nausea and vomiting can occur in dumping syndrome, particularly shortly after eating, due to the rapid movement of food into the small intestine, which can irritate the gut. Therefore, this is a present manifestation.
C. Dizziness can occur in dumping syndrome, often as a result of rapid shifts in blood volume and blood sugar levels after eating. This symptom can be attributed to the body's response to the sudden influx of food and fluid into the intestines, leading to symptoms like weakness and dizziness. Hence, this is a present manifestation.
D. Hypertension is not typically associated with dumping syndrome. In fact, many individuals may experience hypotension (low blood pressure) due to the rapid shift of fluid to the intestines, which can reduce circulating blood volume.

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What assessment findings support the diagnosis of peritonitis?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

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