Question

The nurse is attending to a patient who is undergoing peritoneal dialysis. The nurse assesses the patient is developing symptoms of respiratory distress. What nursing interventions are necessary to prevent further respiratory complications? Select all that apply.

A. Auscultate the lungs.
B. Frequently reposition the patient.
C. Promote deep-breathing exercises.
D. Increase the rate of infusion of the dialysate.
E. Place the patient in a low Fowler's position.

Answer 1

Nursing interventions for a patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis with respiratory distress include auscultating the lungs, repositioning the patient frequently, promoting deep-breathing exercises, and placing the patient in a low Fowler's position to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nursing interventions that are necessary to prevent further respiratory complications in a patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis and developing symptoms of respiratory distress include the following:

• Auscultate the lungs to assess for abnormal breath sounds.
• Frequently reposition the patient to help improve ventilation and facilitate the removal of dialysate.
• Promote deep-breathing exercises to increase lung expansion and oxygen exchange.
• Place the patient in a low Fowler's position to help reduce the pressure on the diaphragm.

It is important not to increase the rate of infusion of the dialysate as it may exacerbate respiratory distress. Nurses working under the direct supervision of a registered nurse must focus on providing dialysis treatments while ensuring accurate and sterile procedures. Throughout the dialysis treatment, vital signs should be taken and reported regularly.