A client is having a peritoneal dialysis treatment. The nurse notes an opaque color to the effluent. What is the priority action by the nurse?

Rationale: A. Warming the dialysate solution in a microwave is unsafe, as it can cause uneven heating and increase the risk of peritoneal injury. Dialysate should always be warmed using a dry heating pad or warming cabinet, not a microwave. B. Flushing the tubing with normal saline is not appropriate for managing cloudy effluent. This could introduce infection or disrupt the sterile system. The nurse must first determine the cause of the opacity before any intervention involving the catheter. C. Obtaining a sample of the effluent and sending it to the laboratory is the priority action. An opaque or cloudy peritoneal effluent is an early sign of peritonitis, a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis. The specimen should be sent for culture and sensitivity testing to identify the causative organism and guide antibiotic therapy. D. Checking the catheter for kinking or curling is appropriate if there is poor drainage or inflow issues, not when the effluent appears cloudy. The presence of opacity indicates infection, not a mechanical problem with the catheter.