Question

A patient with end-stage kidney disease is receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. The patient has a fever and the nurse suspects that it is due to peritonitis. For what are other manifestations that the nurse should monitor the patient? Select all that apply.

A. Vomiting
B. Abdominal pain
C. Bloody stools
D. Weight loss
E. Cloudy peritoneal effluent

Answer 1

The nurse should monitor a CAPD patient with suspected peritonitis for abdominal pain, vomiting, and cloudy peritoneal effluent. Bloody stools and weight loss are not typical signs of peritonitis in CAPD patients but can indicate other medical issues. Early detection and treatment of peritonitis are critical due to its potentially high mortality rate.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) with end-stage kidney disease and a fever may indeed be at risk for peritonitis. The nurse should monitor for other key manifestations associated with peritonitis which include: abdominal pain, which is a direct result of irritation and inflammation of the peritoneum; vomiting, as an associated symptom of gastrointestinal distress; and cloudy peritoneal effluent, which is a hallmark sign of infection in the peritoneal fluid. However, bloody stools and weight loss are not commonly associated symptoms of peritonitis in the context of CAPD. Rather, bloody stools may point to other gastrointestinal issues, and weight loss might be indicative of chronic disease processes or other complications.

Additional important signs of peritonitis to consider would include nausea, as the inflammation within the abdomen often affects the gastrointestinal system, leading to an upset stomach. Severe cases of peritonitis can lead to life-threatening infections that may require emergency surgery and intensive antibiotic therapy. It is crucial to identify and treat peritonitis promptly due to its high mortality rate, which, despite advances in medical care, remains significant.