Final answer:
During peritoneal dialysis, if a client exhibits severe respiratory difficulty, the nurse should auscultate the client's lungs for breath sounds, slow the rate of the client's infusion if necessary, and implement appropriate interventions based on the cause of the respiratory difficulty.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a client undergoing peritoneal dialysis exhibits symptoms of severe respiratory difficulty during the infusion of dialysate, the nurse should immediately Auscultate the client's lungs for breath sounds to assess for any lung abnormalities or fluid overload. This will help determine if the respiratory difficulty is related to a cardiac or pulmonary issue.
Once the cause of the respiratory difficulty is assessed, appropriate interventions can be implemented. For example, if there is fluid overload, the nurse may need to Slow the rate of the client's infusion to prevent further exacerbation. Alternatively, if the respiratory difficulty is due to a possible respiratory infection, the nurse should notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.
Overall, prompt assessment and appropriate interventions are crucial to ensuring the client's safety and well-being during peritoneal dialysis.