Question

A nurse on the renal unit is caring for a patient who will soon begin peritoneal dialysis. The family of the patient asks for education about the peritoneal dialysis catheter that has been placed in the patients peritoneum. The nurse explains the three sections of the catheter and talks about the two cuffs on the dialysis catheter. What would the nurse explain about the cuffs? Select all that apply.

A) The cuffs are made of Dacron polyester.
B) The cuffs stabilize the catheter.
C) The cuffs prevent the dialysate from leaking.
D) The cuffs provide a barrier against microorganisms.
E) The cuffs absorb dialysate

Answer 1

The nurse would educate the family that the Dacron polyester cuffs on a peritoneal dialysis catheter are designed to stabilize the catheter and provide a barrier against microorganisms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would explain the following about the two cuffs on a peritoneal dialysis catheter:

• The cuffs are made of Dacron polyester, a material used for its tissue ingrowth properties, which help to hold the catheter in place.
• The cuffs stabilize the catheter by anchoring it within the subcutaneous tissue, preventing it from moving around.
• The cuffs provide a barrier against microorganisms, reducing the risk of infections entering along the catheter track into the peritoneal cavity.

However, the cuffs do not absorb dialysate or prevent dialysate from leaking; their primary functions are stabilization and infection prevention.