Which medication should the nurse anticipate will be prescribed for a client diagnosed with peritonitis?

Ciprofloxacin is commonly prescribed for clients diagnosed with peritonitis due to its effectiveness as a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Peritonitis, which is an inflammation of the peritoneum typically caused by bacterial infection, requires prompt treatment with antibiotics to prevent sepsis and other severe complications. Ciprofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics, which are effective against a variety of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria often responsible for such infections.

In cases of peritonitis, the choice of antibiotic may depend on the suspected or identified microorganisms and their sensitivities, but ciprofloxacin is a frequently chosen option, especially in cases where gut flora is involved. This medication works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are essential for bacterial DNA replication and transcription, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death. By efficiently targeting the infective agents in peritonitis, ciprofloxacin aids in reducing the infectious burden and alleviating the clinical manifestations of the condition.