A nurse is caring for a group of clients diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). While teaching about ways to slow the progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which of the following topics would be most important for the nurse to include?

Step 1: The total amount of digoxin required per dose is 125 mcg. We need to convert this to mg because the available tablets are in mg. We know that 1 mg = 1000 mcg, so 125 mcg = 125 ÷ 1000 mg = 0.125 mg.

Step 2: Each tablet contains 0.25 mg of digoxin.

Step 3: To find out how many tablets are needed, we divide the total amount required by the amount in each tablet. So, (0.125 mg ÷ 0.25 mg/tablet).

Step 4: The result is 0.5 tablets.

So, the nurse should administer 0.5 tablets per dose. This is already rounded to the nearest tenth.

Choice A reason: While a heart atack is a serious condition, it is not directly related to peritonitis. Peritonitis can lead to systemic infection, which may indirectly affect the heart, but it is not the primary concern in the immediate care of peritonitis.

Choice B reason: Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. However, it is not the most immediate threat when a client is diagnosed with peritonitis. The nurse should continue to monitor blood glucose levels as part of routine care.

Choice C reason: Respiratory failure can be a complication of peritonitis if the infection spreads and affects other systems. However, the primary concern with peritonitis is the potential for the infection to lead to sepsis.

Choice D reason: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can occur as a complication of peritonitis. It happens when the body's response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. Monitoring for signs of sepsis is crucial because early intervention can be lifesaving.