(^318) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
- Abdominal distention
- Abdominal pain—may be localized or generalized
- Rebound pain (pain when quickly removing pressure during palpation of
abdomen) - Rigid abdomen
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
- Decreased bowel sounds
- Decreased urine output
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
- Elevated white blood cell count (WBC).
- Blood cultures to identify organisms.
- Abdominal x-rays to show free air from perforation.
- Ultrasound to identify causative problem (appendicitis, etc.).
- Peritoneal lavage to analyze fluid for WBC count, bacteria, bile.
- CT scan to identify causative problem (appendicitis, salpingitis, etc.).
TREATMENT
- Intravenous fluids.
- Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics.
- Surgical intervention may be necessary to correct cause of peritonitis.
- Pain management postoperatively.
NURSING DIAGNOSES
- Acute pain
- Impaired tissue integrity
- Impaired skin integrity
NURSING INTERVENTION
- Weigh daily.
- Monitor vital signs.