CHAPTER 7 Gastrointestinal System^317
NURSING INTERVENTION
- Assess vital signs for elevated temperature, elevated pulse, and changes in
blood pressure. - Assess pain level.
- Monitor intake and output.
- Assess abdomen for bowel sounds, tenderness, masses, ascites.
- Monitor fingerstick blood glucose.
- Assess lung sounds for bilateral equality.
- Frequent oral care for NPO patients.
- Teach patient about home care:
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Bland, low-fat, high-protein, high-calorie, small, frequent meals.
- Use of blood glucose meter.
- Medication management, schedule, side effects.
- Plan rest periods until strength returns.
Peritonitis
WHAT WENT WRONG?
Peritonitis is an acute inflammation of the peritoneum, which is the lining of the
abdominal cavity. Peritonitis may be primary or secondary to another disease
process. It typically occurs due to bacterial presence within the peritoneal space.
The bacteria may have passed from the gastrointestinal tract or the rupture of an
organ within the abdomen or pelvis. After the introduction of the bacteria into the
abdominal area, an inflammatory reaction occurs.
PROGNOSIS
It is a life-threatening disease process. Patients may develop septicemia from the
bacteria within the abdomen that enter the bloodstream.
HALLMARK SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Fever
- Tachycardia
14