PERITONITIS

BY

MARK DAVID CHIJINDU

MAT NO: 2018/118034/REGULAR

JUNE 2023
 INTRODUCTION
Peritonitis is a serious medical condition characterized by
inflammation of the peritoneum, which is the thin tissue lining
the inner wall of the abdomen and covering the abdominal
organs. It is usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection,
although other factors such as chemical irritation, injury, or
certain medical procedures can also lead to peritonitis.
Aims and Objectives
• To determine the definition of peritonitis.
• To determine the incidence, causes, risk factors, signs and
symptoms, peritonitis
• To determine the medical management of peritonitis
Concept of the Study
Definition: Peritonitis is the inflammation of the peritoneum. The
tissues that lines the inner wall of the abdominal covers and supports
most of the abdominal organism (Ferri & Fred, 2017).
Types of Peritonitis
• Primary peritonitis, also known as spontaneous peritonitis,
occurs in individuals with underlying liver disease or ascites (the
buildup of fluid in the abdomen).
• Secondary peritonitis is more common and usually results from a
perforated organ, such as a ruptured appendix, a perforated
stomach ulcer, or a burst diverticulum.
Causes of Peritonitis
• Perforation of the intestinal wall.
• Pancreatitis
• Stomach Ulcer
• Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases
• Surgery
• Trauma to the abdomen such as gunshot wound.
• Non-infectious causes include irritates of bile, or foreign
substances in the abdomen such as barium.
Predisposing Factors
• Previous history of peritonitis
• History of alcohol perforated colon
• Stomach ulcer
• Liver disease
• Ruptured appendix
• Fluid accumulation in the abdomen
• Weakened immune system
• Pelvic inflammation disease
• Infection of the gall bladder, intestine or stomach
Symptoms of Peritonitis
• Pain
• The affected area of the abdomen becomes extremely tender and
distended, and the muscles becomes rigid
• Anorexia, nausea and vomiting
• Fever with temperature of 37.8°C to 38.3°c with an increases
pulse rate.
• Sinus tachycardia
• Difficulty passing gas or having a bowel movement.
• Chills, excessive thirst and fatigue. (Baum, 2014).
Diagnostic Investigations
• Physical examination
• Blood test
• Imaging test
• Peritoneal fluid analysis
 NURSING MANAGEMENT

• Admission: admit patient into a female medical ward on a well-made bed.

• Position: place the patient in a comfortable position, this help to alley patient's

anxiety.

• Observation: observe patients vital signs, restlessness, input and output report

finding and carry out the appropriate nursing interventions and document.

• Diet: encourage adequate diet to promote the formation of proteins and

enzymes to aid tissue repairs including fruits, vegetables and adequate fluid

intake.

• Rest: proper rest and sleep is encouraged to conserve energy

• Health education: educate patient on the causes of peritonitis, preventions and

complications if not properly treated.

Medical management
• Antibiotics: the patient is likely to be given a course of
antibiotics medications to fight the infection and prevent it from
the antibiotics thereby depends on the severity of the condition
and the kind of peritonitis that is involved.
• Analgesics to relieve pain
• IV fluids and electrolytes
• Rectal tube to facilitate passage of gas
• Abdominal paracentesis
COMPLICATIONS
• Dehydration
• Sepsis
• Septic shock and death
• Multiple organ infection and other failure
• Hepatorenal syndrome (liver disease leading to increasing renal
failure)
• Hepatic encephalopathy (MC David, 2014)
PREVENTION OF PERITONITIS
• The prevention of peritonitis includes the following:
• Early diagnosis and management can help prevent peritonitis
• Preventing underlying causes (for example; trauma, ulcers,
alcohol and pelvic inflammation disease).
• Individual that are obtaining peritoneal dialysis should be very
careful about hand and finger nail cleanliness to avoid
contamination to the dialysis catheter.
• Preventive measures of the antimicrobial have been used to reduce
the risk of peritonitis; however, if this technique is used it may
generate antibiotics resistant organism (Khanna, 2014).