What clinical sign should be observed for peritonitis after an abdominal paracentesis?

Fever and nausea/vomiting are clinical signs that can indicate the presence of peritonitis, especially following an abdominal paracentesis. This procedure involves the removal of fluid from the peritoneal cavity, and if there is an infection or trauma to the lining of the abdominal cavity, it can lead to inflammation known as peritonitis.

The symptom of fever suggests an infectious process, which is often accompanied by systemic signs of distress such as nausea and vomiting. These symptoms arise due to the body's reaction to the infection or irritation in the abdominal cavity. Monitoring for fever and gastrointestinal symptoms is crucial in patients who have recently undergone abdominal procedures, as these can be critical indicators of complications like peritonitis.

Other options such as constipation, bright red stools, and increased appetite do not typically correlate with peritonitis and are less relevant in this context, as they do not reflect the acute inflammatory response indicative of abdominal infection.