Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 65%
Full-length
The nurse is caring for a client who had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy 3 days ago. The client's WBC count has increased over the past 2 days. Which assessment finding is most concerning?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
A stiff abdomen with rebound tenderness suggests peritonitis, a life-threatening complication post-cholecystectomy, requiring immediate intervention. Shoulder pain is common due to referred pain, drainage and incision redness suggest localized infection, and a cough may indicate a respiratory issue, but peritonitis is most urgent.