Question

The home care nurse visits a 34-year-old woman receiving peritoneal dialysis. Which statement indicates a need for immediate follow-up by the nurse?

A) I flush the catheter with alcohol.
B) I use aseptic technique for the exchanges.
C) I empty the dialysate into the toilet.
D) I monitor my weight daily.

Answer 1

The nurse should provide immediate follow-up if the patient mentions flushing the catheter with alcohol during peritoneal dialysis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that indicates a need for immediate follow-up by the nurse is option A) I flush the catheter with alcohol. Flushing the catheter with alcohol is not a recommended practice as it can cause irritation and potentially introduce harmful substances into the peritoneal cavity. It is important to use an aseptic technique for exchanges to minimize the risk of infection. Emptying the dialysate into the toilet is a normal step in the dialysis process. Monitoring weight daily is also an important part of peritoneal dialysis management, but it does not indicate an immediate need for follow-up.