The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). Which nursing intervention has the greatest priority when a dialysis exchange is performed?
a. Adding potassium and antibiotic to the dialysate bags
b. Positioning the client on either side
c. Using sterile technique when hooking up dialysate bags
d. Warming the dialysate fluid in a micro-wave oven
C
Peritonitis is the major complication of PD. The most common cause of peritonitis is connection site contamination. To prevent peritonitis, use meticulous sterile technique when caring for the PD catheter and when hooking up or clamping off dialysate bags. This safety precaution is the priority. Never warm dialysate fluid in the microwave. Positioning the client may help with the flow of fluid. Clients may need additives to their dialysate fluid, but potassium and antibiotics are not added together because interactions between them can reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic.
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