Question

A client on peritoneal dialysis awakens one night to find that the end of the catheter has become disconnected and is contaminated by microbes on the bed sheets. The client develops peritonitis and is admitted for IV antibiotic therapy. Of the following possible complications related to this situation, which should the nurse be educating the client to watch for? Select all that apply.

Answer 1

A client on peritoneal dialysis should watch for symptoms of peritonitis and signs of infection when the catheter becomes disconnected and contaminated with microbes.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client on peritoneal dialysis wakes up to find that the end of the catheter has become disconnected and contaminated with microbes, they may develop peritonitis, which is inflammation of the peritoneum. This can be a life-threatening condition and requires treatment with IV antibiotic therapy. The nurse should educate the client to watch for possible complications such as fever, abdominal pain, increased heart rate, and worsening of the peritoneal dialysis fluid.

In addition to these symptoms, the client should be vigilant for signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge at the catheter insertion site. They should also be educated on the importance of maintaining good hygiene and practicing proper infection control measures, such as washing hands regularly and keeping the catheter site clean and dry.