Final answer:
The nurse should assess peritoneal dialysate return as the patient's symptoms indicate possible peritonitis, a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient receiving peritoneal dialysis complains of abdominal pain and chills, along with an elevated temperature, it is imperative for the nurse to consider the possibility of peritonitis. This condition is an inflammation of the peritoneum, which can be a life-threatening complication often occurring from a bacterial infection or a breach in the gastrointestinal tract. The sudden presentation of symptoms during dialysis could indicate the onset of an infection, and the nurse's priority should be to assess peritoneal dialysate return for signs of infection.
Given that peritonitis is associated with a high mortality rate and requires prompt medical intervention, informing the healthcare provider about the symptoms is also crucial. The provider may then order further tests and imaging, such as a CT scan or white blood cell count, to confirm the diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics and potential surgery to correct any underlying issues.