A nurse is caring for a client who is undergoing peritoneal dialysis and notes that the dialysate outflow has become cloudy. Which of the following complications of this procedure should the nurse suspect?
Bleeding.
Peritonitis.
Poor dialysate flow.
Fibrin clot formation.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Bleeding during peritoneal dialysis may cause the dialysate to appear pink or red, but it does not cause cloudiness. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
Choice B reason: Cloudy dialysate outflow is a classic sign of peritonitis, which is the most common and serious complication of peritoneal dialysis. Peritonitis occurs due to infection within the peritoneal cavity, often introduced during catheter handling. The cloudiness is caused by the presence of white blood cells and bacteria in the dialysate. This makes option B the correct answer.
Choice C reason: Poor dialysate flow is usually due to mechanical issues such as catheter malposition, constipation, or obstruction. It results in reduced or absent drainage but does not cause cloudiness. Thus, this option is incorrect.
Choice D reason: Fibrin clot formation can obstruct the catheter and reduce dialysate flow, but it does not cause the effluent to appear cloudy. Instead, fibrin strands may be visible in the fluid. This option is incorrect because it does not explain the cloudy appearance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Incisional drainage positive for glucose indicates cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which is a complication, not an expected finding. This requires immediate intervention.
Choice B reason: Irritability is expected in infants postoperatively and can indicate increased intracranial pressure or discomfort. It is a common finding after shunt placement and requires monitoring.
Choice C reason: Drowsiness may occur but is concerning if excessive, as it can indicate shunt malfunction or increased intracranial pressure. It is not considered a normal expected finding.
Choice D reason: Decreased head circumference is not expected immediately after shunt placement. Head growth should stabilize over time, but a sudden decrease would be abnormal.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A flat anterior fontanel indicates adequate hydration. In dehydration, the fontanel becomes sunken, so normalization shows effective treatment.
Choice B reason: Skin turgor displaying tenting is a sign of persistent dehydration, not improvement.
Choice C reason: Hyperpnea (rapid breathing) suggests metabolic acidosis or ongoing fluid imbalance, not resolution.
Choice D reason: Cool, mottled skin indicates poor perfusion and continued dehydration, not effective treatment.
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