Inflammation of the membrane lining the abdominal wall and covering the abdominal organs is known as?

Appeared in: BSF Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

The question asks for the term describing inflammation of the membrane lining the abdominal wall and covering the abdominal organs.
This membrane is anatomically known as the peritoneum.
The suffix '-itis' denotes inflammation.
Therefore, 'Peritonitis' is the medical term for the inflammation of the peritoneum.

Option B: Gastritis is inflammation specifically of the stomach lining ('gastro-' refers to the stomach), not the entire peritoneal membrane that lines the abdominal cavity.
Option C: Abdominal distension is a clinical sign (swelling of the abdomen), not a disease process. It is a possible symptom of peritonitis but not the inflammation itself.
Option D: Since Gastritis and Abdominal distension are incorrect, this option is also incorrect.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition of Peritonitis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Peritonitis is a surgical emergency. A key nursing assessment finding is a rigid, board-like abdomen with rebound tenderness, which must be reported immediately.
Post-operative monitoring for peritonitis is crucial after any abdominal surgery, as leakage from an anastomosis can be a cause.
What if? If a patient on peritoneal dialysis presents with cloudy effluent fluid from their dialysis bag, the nurse should immediately suspect peritonitis and follow protocol for obtaining a fluid sample for culture.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the medical terminology in the question stem. 'Inflammation of the membrane lining the abdominal wall and covering the abdominal organs'.
Identify the key anatomical structure being described: the peritoneum.
Recall or deduce the medical term for inflammation. The suffix '-itis' is commonly used to denote inflammation.
Combine the root word for the structure (peritoneum) with the suffix for inflammation (-itis) to form 'Peritonitis'.
Evaluate the options provided. 'Peritonitis' directly matches your derived term.
Rule out the other options by defining them. 'Gastritis' is inflammation of the stomach. 'Abdominal distension' is a symptom, not an inflammatory condition.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Definition of Peritonitis
Stem keywords: inflammation, membrane lining abdominal wall, covering abdominal organs
Lead-in keywords: known as

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 821-823

E6 Anatomy BDChaurasia V2 10e Part 2 p. 3-5

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