Final answer:
If the peritoneal catheter dressing gets wet, the client should change the dressing to prevent infection and ensure proper hygiene.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the peritoneal catheter dressing gets wet, the client should change the dressing. This is advised over simply reinforcing the dressing because a wet dressing can serve as a breeding ground for infection, compromising the sterility of the catheter site. A clean, dry dressing ensures that the risk of infection is minimized.
Peritoneal dialysis involves the introduction of fluid through a catheter into the peritoneal cavity, where the peritoneal membrane acts as a semipermeable barrier. This membrane allows waste products, such as urea, to pass into the dialysis solution to be removed from the blood, while larger components like red blood cells remain within the blood vessels. The cleanliness of the catheter site is critical as it could lead to serious infections if not properly managed. Nurses are often responsible for teaching patients how to care for their catheters at home, which includes managing the dressing in a way that ensures proper hygiene and reduces the risk of infections.
To change the dressing, the client should first wash their hands to eliminate any bacteria. Wearing clean gloves, they should remove the soiled dressing, clean the catheter site with an antiseptic agent, and apply a fresh, sterile dressing. If there are any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or drainage, the client should contact their healthcare provider immediately.