A nurse is caring for a client following his first hemodialysis treatment. The client reports a headache, nausea, and restlessness. The nurse should identify these findings as manifestations of which of the following complications?

Choice A reason: Septicemia would present with fever, chills, and systemic signs of infection. Headache, nausea, and restlessness are not typical early manifestations of septicemia. Choice B reason: Peritonitis is a complication of peritoneal dialysis, not hemodialysis. It presents with abdominal pain, fever, and cloudy dialysate. Since this client underwent hemodialysis, peritonitis is not relevant. Choice C reason: Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome is the correct answer. It occurs when rapid removal of solutes during the first hemodialysis session causes cerebral edema. Symptoms include headache, nausea, restlessness, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures. This complication is most common during initial treatments and matches the client’s presentation. Choice D reason: Air embolism presents with chest pain, dyspnea, and cardiovascular collapse. The client’s symptoms of headache, nausea, and restlessness do not align with air embolism.