A client on peritoneal dialysis is experiencing abdominal pain and fever. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Administer an analgesic for the abdominal pain.
Measure the client's blood pressure and pulse rate.
Check the catheter for kinks or obstructions.
Notify the healthcare provider about the symptoms.
The Correct Answer is C
A) This statement is incorrect. Administering an analgesic for the abdominal pain may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms.
B) This statement is incorrect. Measuring blood pressure and pulse rate is essential for client assessment, but it may not provide enough information to determine the cause of the symptoms.
C) This statement is accurate. Abdominal pain and fever in a client on peritoneal dialysis may indicate peritonitis, which can result from infection or catheter issues. The nurse should first check the catheter for kinks or obstructions to ensure proper drainage and prevent complications.
D) This statement is incorrect. Notifying the healthcare provider about the symptoms is important, but the nurse should first assess the catheter for possible issues to determine if immediate intervention is needed.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Warming the dialysate fluid to body temperature before instilling it into the peritoneal cavity is a standard procedure in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD. .
B. Correct. Performing the exchanges in a clean, dry environment free from pets is crucial to prevent contamination and reduce the risk of infection during CAPD.
C. Incorrect. Using tap water to cleanse the catheter insertion site before the exchange is not recommended. The catheter exit site should be cleaned with an appropriate antiseptic solution as instructed by the healthcare provider.
D. Incorrect. While daily dressing changes are important, using sterile technique for catheter dressing changes may not be necessary, as the dressing does not directly contact the peritoneal cavity during CAPD exchanges.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Instructing the client to increase fluid intake may not address the underlying cause of abdominal pain and fever in a client on peritoneal dialysis.
B. Incorrect. Assisting the client with a peritoneal fluid exchange is not the priority when the client is experiencing abdominal pain and fever, as it may exacerbate the symptoms.
C. Incorrect. Administering an over-the-counter pain reliever may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms.
D. Correct. Abdominal pain and fever in a client on peritoneal dialysis may indicate peritonitis, an infection of the peritoneal cavity. Obtaining a peritoneal fluid sample for testing is essential to confirm the diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment promptly.
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