Question

Drag 1 condition and 1 client finding to fill in each blank in the following sentence.

The nurse is caring for the client who has manifestations of Condition; therefore, the priority finding for the nurse to report is Client Finding.
Condition:
a.peritonitis
b.hepatitis
c.pericarditis
d.gastroenteritis
e.peptic ulcer disease
Client finding:
a.bowel sounds
b.weight loss
c.diarrhea
d.laboratory values
e.small amount of blood in stool

Answer 1

The nurse should prioritize reporting laboratory values for a client with peritonitis as it is a life-threatening condition that often results in a high white blood cell count, and blood work is essential for guiding treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is caring for the client who has manifestations of peritonitis; therefore, the priority finding for the nurse to report is laboratory values, specifically the white blood cell count. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, often accompanied by infection which can result in a high white blood cell count. This condition requires prompt medical attention and can be life-threatening, making the laboratory values, or blood work, particularly important for detecting the severity of the infection and guiding treatment.

Client findings like diarrhea, weight loss, or a small amount of blood in stool might be related to other conditions such as gastroenteritis, peptic ulcer disease, or hepatitis. However, for peritonitis, the focus shifts to laboratory values due to the potential severity and rapid progression of the condition.