A nurse is providing care to a client who has peritonitis. Which of the following conditions is the highest priority for the nurse to monitor?

A. Respiratory failure: While respiratory complications can occur due to abdominal distention or sepsis, respiratory failure is not the most immediate concern in the early stages of peritonitis. Monitoring may be necessary if symptoms develop. B. Sepsis: Peritonitis is a massive inflammatory response. Bacteria from the infection can easily enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis and potentially septic shock. Because sepsis is a systemic, life-threatening complication that can lead to multi-organ failure and death within hours, it is the highest priority for monitoring. C. Heart attack: Myocardial infarction is not a direct complication of peritonitis. While stress or underlying heart disease may pose some risk, it is not the primary concern in this condition. D. Diabetes: Diabetes may affect healing and infection risk, but it is not an acute complication of peritonitis. Monitoring blood glucose is important, but it is secondary to preventing and managing sepsis.