A client on peritoneal dialysis is experiencing abdominal pain and fever. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A) This statement is incorrect. Administering an analgesic for the abdominal pain may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms.

B) This statement is incorrect. Measuring blood pressure and pulse rate is essential for client assessment, but it may not provide enough information to determine the cause of the symptoms.

C) This statement is accurate. Abdominal pain and fever in a client on peritoneal dialysis may indicate peritonitis, which can result from infection or catheter issues. The nurse should first check the catheter for kinks or obstructions to ensure proper drainage and prevent complications.

D) This statement is incorrect. Notifying the healthcare provider about the symptoms is important, but the nurse should first assess the catheter for possible issues to determine if immediate intervention is needed.

A) This statement is incorrect. Hypernatremia (high sodium levels) is not the primary indication for initiating dialysis in this case. Metabolic acidosis and the inability of the kidneys to excrete acids are the primary concerns.

B) This statement is incorrect. Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels) may occur in CKD, but it is not the primary indication described in the scenario. Metabolic acidosis is the primary concern leading to the need for dialysis.

C) This statement is incorrect. Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) can be a complication of CKD, but it is not the primary indication for initiating dialysis in this scenario. Metabolic acidosis and its associated symptoms take precedence.

D) Severe metabolic acidosis, which results from the kidneys' inability to adequately excrete acids and regulate pH balance, is a critical indication for initiating dialysis in clients with CKD.