A nurse is teaching a client and his partner about performing peritoneal dialysis at home.
When discussing peritonitis, which of the following manifestations should the nurse identify as the earliest indication of this complication?
Increased heart rate
Generalized abdominal pain
Cloudy effluent
Fever
The Correct Answer is C
This is because peritonitis is an infection of the peritoneal cavity that can occur as a complication of peritoneal dialysis. Peritonitis can cause inflammation and irritation of the peritoneum, which can lead to cloudy or milky appearance of the dialysate fluid that drains out of the abdomen (also known as effluent). Cloudy effluent is often the first and most reliable sign of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients. Other signs and symptoms of peritonitis may include increased heart rate, generalized abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and malaise.
The nurse should instruct the client and his partner to inspect the effluent for clarity every time they perform an exchange and to report any changes to their health care provider immediately. The nurse should also teach them how to prevent peritonitis by following strict aseptic technique when handling catheters and supplies, washing hands before and after each exchange, wearing a mask during exchanges, and storing supplies in a clean and dry place.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because the client is experiencing bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate of less than 60/min. Bradycardia can cause decreased cardiac output, which can lead to symptoms such as tremors, fainting, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, and hypotension. Some causes of bradycardia are sinus node dysfunction, atrioventricular block, medication side effects, hypothyroidism, hypothermia, and increased vagal tone.
The nurse should anticipate administering atropine sulfate, which is an anticholinergic drug that blocks the action of the vagus nerve on the heart and increases the heart rate and conduction. Atropine sulfate is the first-line drug for symptomatic bradycardia and can be given intravenously or intramuscularly. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, cardiac rhythm, and response to the medication. The nurse should also prepare for other interventions, such as transcutaneous pacing or permanent pacemaker insertion, if atropine sulfate is ineffective or contraindicated.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The client should expect less than 25 mL of secretions per day in the drainage devices before they are removed, usually within 7 to 10 days after surgery. This indicates that the wound is healing and there is no excessive fluid accumulation in the surgical site. The other statements are incorrect and indicate a need for further teaching. The client should not wait 2 months before additional saline can be added to the breast expander, as this may delay the reconstruction process and increase the risk of infection or contracture.
The client should keep the left arm elevated on a pillow and avoid flexing it at the elbow, as this may impair lymphatic drainage and cause edema or pain. The client should perform gentle range-of-motion exercises with the left arm and avoid lifting heavy objects such as a 15-pound weight, as this may strain the incision or cause bleeding.
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