A client diagnosed with end-stage kidney injury receives continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The nurse observes that the dialysate drainage fluid is cloudy. What is the priority intervention?

Choice A reason: Antihypertensives are routinely used in ESRD to manage hypertension caused by fluid overload and renin-angiotensin system dysregulation. Controlling blood pressure prevents cardiovascular complications like heart failure or stroke, which are common in ESRD due to chronic volume and pressure overload, making this medication appropriate.

Choice B reason: ADH is not used in ESRD, as it promotes water reabsorption, worsening fluid overload in anuric patients. ESRD patients rely on dialysis for fluid balance, and ADH could exacerbate hypertension or pulmonary edema. Its use is more relevant in conditions like diabetes insipidus, not renal failure.

Choice C reason: Erythrocyte-stimulating agents, like erythropoietin, are standard in ESRD to treat anemia caused by reduced erythropoietin production by failing kidneys. These agents stimulate red blood cell production, improving oxygen delivery and reducing fatigue, making them essential for managing ESRD-related anemia and improving quality of life.

Choice D reason: Phosphate binders are used in ESRD to manage hyperphosphatemia by binding dietary phosphate in the gut, preventing its absorption. This reduces the risk of vascular calcification and secondary hyperparathyroidism, common complications in ESRD due to impaired phosphate excretion, making these medications a standard part of therapy.

Choice A reason: Administering IV normal saline addresses fluid volume deficits, not cloudy dialysate, which suggests peritonitis in CAPD. Saline does not treat infection or clarify drainage. Without addressing the potential infection, complications like sepsis or peritoneal membrane damage may occur, making this intervention irrelevant to the finding.

Choice B reason: Flushing the peritoneal catheter with saline risks introducing bacteria or dislodging clots, worsening potential infection. Cloudy dialysate indicates peritonitis, requiring assessment and likely antibiotics, not flushing. This action could compromise the catheter’s integrity and is not a standard intervention for suspected peritonitis in CAPD.

Choice C reason: Cloudy dialysate is a hallmark of peritonitis in CAPD, caused by bacterial infection. Assessing for fever, abdominal pain, or rebound tenderness confirms infection, enabling prompt antibiotic treatment. Early intervention prevents sepsis or peritoneal membrane scarring, which could necessitate dialysis modality change, making this the priority action.

Choice D reason: Continuing to monitor without assessing for infection delays treatment of potential peritonitis, a serious CAPD complication. Cloudy dialysate requires immediate evaluation, as untreated infection can lead to sepsis, peritoneal damage, or death. Passive monitoring risks patient safety, making this an inadequate response to a critical finding.