NursingPlex
    Sign In
    HESI RN Medical surgical proctored exam

    A client with chronic kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis exhibits redness, tenderness, and drainage around the catheter site on the abdominal wall. While planning care, the nurse is most concerned about preventing which complication related to these findings?

    Explanation & Rationale

    Choice A reason: An exit site infection can occur around the catheter insertion site, leading to redness, tenderness, and drainage. While this is a concerning issue that needs to be addressed, the more significant complication to prevent is peritonitis, which can result from an exit site infection if it spreads.Choice B reason: Peritonitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection of the peritoneal cavity. In clients on peritoneal dialysis, signs such as redness, tenderness, and drainage around the catheter site are alarming indicators that could lead to peritonitis if not promptly treated. Peritonitis can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, and cloudy dialysis fluid, and requires immediate medical intervention to prevent complications.Choice C reason: Outflow obstruction is a complication where the peritoneal dialysis fluid does not drain properly. This can be caused by a number of issues including catheter malposition or blockages, but it is not directly related to the symptoms of redness, tenderness, and drainage at the catheter site. Outflow obstruction is important to monitor but does not represent the immediate risk that peritonitis does.Choice D reason: Atelectasis refers to the collapse of a part or all of a lung, often due to blockage of the air passages. This is not related to the symptoms around the peritoneal dialysis catheter site. While respiratory issues must be monitored, the primary concern here is the potential for peritoneal infection.

    🔒 Submit your answer to reveal