Peritonitis

Definition

Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity. It usually results from bacterial infection or perforation of a hollow abdominal organ.

Causes

• Perforated peptic ulcer, appendix, diverticulum
• Ruptured ectopic pregnancy or tubo-ovarian abscess
• Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhosis/ascites
• Peritoneal dialysis infection
• Trauma

Signs and Symptoms

Severe diffuse abdominal pain, RIGID/board-like abdomen, rebound tenderness, absent bowel sounds, fever, tachycardia, hypotension, nausea, vomiting, signs of septic shock.

Nursing Interventions

NPO, IV fluids, NG decompression, broad-spectrum IV antibiotics, pain management, prepare for emergency surgery. Monitor for septic shock, organ failure. Peritoneal dialysis: cloudy return = SBP; send for culture.

NCLEX Relevance

Cloudy PD return = peritonitis emergency. Rigid abdomen = priority emergency sign.