A patient with an ileostomy 1 week post-operatively has a pulse of 120bpm, respirations 28/min, temperature of 101 F, and a rigid abdomen. The nurse suspects that this patient has which complication?

Rationale: A. Evisceration refers to internal organs protruding through a surgical incision. While serious, it is usually visible at the surgical site and does not explain systemic signs such as fever, tachycardia, and rigid abdomen. B. Localized inflammation may cause redness, tenderness, or mild discomfort, but it would not typically produce a rigid abdomen, high fever, and elevated pulse and respirations. C. An obstruction can cause abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting, and decreased stoma output, but a rigid abdomen and systemic signs like fever and tachycardia suggest a more severe intra-abdominal infection. D. The patient’s rigid abdomen, tachycardia (pulse 120 bpm), tachypnea (respirations 28/min), and fever (101°F) are classic signs of peritonitis, a life-threatening infection of the abdominal cavity. This can occur post-operatively due to leakage from the stoma, bowel perforation, or infection. Prompt recognition and immediate medical intervention are critical, often requiring antibiotics and possible surgical management.