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 C
Explanation
A) This statement is incorrect. The catheter dressing should be changed regularly as per the healthcare provider's instructions, but it is not typically changed every week.
B) This statement is incorrect. The routine use of antibiotic ointment is not recommended, as it can lead to antibiotic resistance and is not necessary for all clients on peritoneal dialysis.
C) To reduce the risk of infection, the client should avoid touching the catheter site with clean hands. Maintaining proper hand hygiene is essential to prevent infection.
D) This statement is incorrect. Cleaning the catheter site with hydrogen peroxide is not recommended, as it can be too harsh and irritating to the skin. Instead, the site should be cleaned with mild soap and water or as instructed by the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) This statement is incorrect. Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels) can be a concern in ESRD, but it is not the primary indication described in the scenario. While hyperkalemia may occur in ESRD, the primary concern leading to the need for dialysis is the uremia and its associated symptoms.
B) This statement is incorrect. Hypophosphatemia (low phosphorus levels) can be a concern in ESRD, but it is not the primary indication for initiating dialysis in this case. Uremia and its associated symptoms are the primary concerns leading to the need for dialysis.
C) Uremia, which is characterized by elevated levels of urea and other waste products in the blood, is a critical indication for initiating dialysis in clients with end-stage renal disease. Dialysis helps remove these toxic substances from the bloodstream and may alleviate symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and decreased urine output.
D) This statement is incorrect. Hyponatremia (low sodium levels) is not the primary indication for initiating dialysis in this scenario. Uremia and the accumulation of waste products are the primary concerns that require dialysis to address.
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