Final answer:
When a peritoneal dialysis patient shows acute symptoms, the nurse evaluates their neurological status and informs the provider of possible visceral perforation, all under direct supervision to manage the emergent condition effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient receiving peritoneal dialysis suddenly exhibits concerning symptoms, the nurse's responsibility is to promptly assess the situation. Given that one of the risks of peritoneal dialysis is peritonitis—an inflammation of the peritoneum often caused by infection or a breach in the wall of the alimentary canal—it is critical to monitor for signs of this serious complication. Peritonitis is life-threatening, and symptoms can escalate rapidly, thus requiring urgent medical intervention. In this scenario, the nurse should first conduct a rapid evaluation of the patient's neurological status, as this will provide clues to the severity of the situation.
Informing the provider of a probable visceral perforation is also crucial as this will likely need surgical intervention and intensive care, including antibiotics, due to the high risk of mortality associated with peritonitis. The nurse should work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse and focus on providing thorough and effective dialysis treatments, which will include monitoring the patient's vital signs and being prepared to respond immediately to emergent conditions.