Final answer:
If a peritoneal dialysis patient experiences severe respiratory difficulty, the nurse should immediately stop dialysis, monitor vital signs, provide respiratory support, and alert the supervising registered nurse.
Step-by-step explanation:
During peritoneal dialysis, if a client exhibits symptoms of severe respiratory difficulty, the nurse must act promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient. The first action the nurse should take under the direct supervision of a registered nurse is to discontinue the dialysis treatment immediately. It is crucial to assess the patient's respiratory status and provide necessary respiratory support. The nurse should also monitor the patient's vital signs closely and prepare to administer oxygen or other interventions as prescribed. The timely and appropriate response to such complications is vital to managing the adverse event and stabilizing the patient's condition. Ensuring that treatment and procedures are accurate and sterile is part of a comprehensive approach to providing dialysis treatments.