After puncture of a hollow abdominal organ, which statement about peritonitis is correct?

• A. It occurs immediately.
• B. It never occurs.
• C. It occurs within minutes.
• D. It may not develop for several hours.

Answer: (D)

When a hollow abdominal organ is punctured, the peritoneum doesn’t react instantly. Spillage of contents causes chemical irritation and then bacterial contamination, and it takes time for the inflammatory response to build. As a result, peritonitis may not become evident right away; symptoms and signs often develop after several hours as bacteria multiply and inflammation escalates. That delay is why the statement stating it may not develop for several hours is the best choice. The other options imply immediate or guaranteed timing that doesn’t fit how peritoneal inflammation progresses after puncture.