Question

The nurse has identified the nursing diagnosis of risk for infection in a patient who undergoes peritoneal dialysis. What nursing action best addresses this risk?

A) Maintain aseptic technique when administering dialysate.
B) Wash the skin surrounding the catheter site with soap and water prior to each exchange.
C) Add antibiotics to the dialysate as ordered.
D) Administer prophylactic antibiotics by mouth or IV as ordered.

Answer 1

To address the risk for infection in a patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis, maintaining aseptic technique when administering dialysate is the most important nursing action. This involves using sterilized materials and following strict procedures to prevent the introduction of pathogens.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nursing action that best addresses the risk for infection in a patient who undergoes peritoneal dialysis involves maintaining aseptic technique when administering dialysate. Aseptic technique is crucial in preventing sepsis, which is a systemic inflammatory response to an infection that can lead to serious complications or death. By ensuring that all aspects of the dialysis procedure are carried out within a sterile field that is free of vegetative microbes, endospores, and viruses, healthcare professionals can prevent the transmission of infection to the patient. This underscores the importance of using sterilized materials and following strict procedures when handling dialysis equipment.

Prophylactic antibiotics may be part of a broader infection control strategy, but direct actions that prevent the introduction of pathogens during medical procedures, such as maintaining aseptic technique, are the most effective in addressing the risk for infection during peritoneal dialysis.