Question

The nurse monitors a client getting peritoneal dialysis for signs of peritonitis. Which of the following assessment findings should be reported to the doctor?

a) Clear dialysate drainage
b) Abdominal pain and cloudy dialysate
c) Mild fatigue after the procedure
d) Stable blood pressure

Answer 1

The nurse should report abdominal pain and cloudy dialysate to the doctor as it may indicate the presence of peritonitis in a client receiving peritoneal dialysis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should report finding abdominal pain and cloudy dialysate to the doctor as it may indicate the presence of peritonitis in a client receiving peritoneal dialysis. Peritonitis is a life-threatening condition characterized by inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. It can occur when there is a breach in the wall of the alimentary canal, allowing the contents to enter the peritoneal cavity. Other common symptoms of peritonitis include fever, tenderness of the abdomen, and changes in dialysate appearance such as color or odor.