Question

A nurse is caring for a hospitalized client who is undergoing peritoneal dialysis. The nurse notes that the outflow is less than the inflow on the first exchange. What should the nurse do first?

a) Reposition the client
b) Check for kinks in the tubing
c) Assess for signs of infection
d) Notify the healthcare provider

Answer 1

The nurse should first check for kinks in the tubing when the outflow is less than the inflow in peritoneal dialysis. If this does not resolve the issue, repositioning the patient, checking for signs of infection, and then notifying the healthcare provider are subsequent steps.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student asked what a nurse should do first if they notice that the outflow is less than the inflow during the first exchange of peritoneal dialysis. The correct first action would be to check for kinks in the tubing. Ensuring that the pathway for the dialysis fluid is clear is the simplest and most immediate step to resolving the discrepancy in fluid volume. If there are no kinks, the next steps would include repositioning the client and assessing for signs of infection before notifying the healthcare provider if the problem persists.During the provision of dialysis treatment, it is essential for nurses to work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, focusing on patient safety and proper equipment management. Dialysis requires careful monitoring of the patient's condition, the preparation of solutions and equipment to maintain sterility, and the adjustment of factors that affect the treatment process.