A nurse is monitoring a client undergoing dialysis on the nephrology unit. Exhibits Which nursing actions are appropriate when providing emotional support to a patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis?

• Providing antibiotic ointment to the dialysis exit site is a medical order–driven intervention used for infection prevention, not a component of emotional support. While important in care, it does not directly address the psychosocial or supportive needs of the client during dialysis. • Encouraging questions and discussions about fears allows the nurse to validate the client’s feelings, provide accurate education, and reduce anxiety. Open communication supports coping, enhances trust, and directly fulfills the provider’s order for emotional support and counseling. • Monitoring for signs of peritonitis is primarily a clinical safety measure rather than emotional support, but it remains an anticipated nursing action during peritoneal dialysis. By ensuring early detection of infection, the nurse indirectly provides reassurance, which helps reduce patient anxiety about complications. • Restricting fluid intake without considering urinary output is inappropriate because fluid management must be individualized. Overly strict restriction without assessing renal function and residual urine output may worsen the client’s sense of isolation and discomfort.