The nurse is caring for a patient experiencing peritonitis. The patient develops a temperature of 103° F (39.4° C), is restless, has blood pressure of 85/45 and has a urinary output of 76 mL in eight hours. The nurse should develop a plan of care related to which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is showing signs of hypovolemic shock due to the decrease in blood pressure and urinary output, and the high temperature and restlessness indicate an increase in metabolic rate. These are all symptoms of shock, which can be caused by fluid loss, such as in peritonitis. The nurse should address this immediately to prevent a potential life-threatening situation.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Experiencing Peritonitis