The 75-year-old client is hospitalized with end-stage chronic kidney disease. Which of the following serum lab findings would the nurse expect? Select all that apply.

Choice A reason: Not needing vascular access to perform PD is a significant advantage for patients. Peritoneal dialysis uses the peritoneal membrane in the abdomen as a filter to clean the blood, which eliminates the need for vascular access, such as fistulas or catheters required in hemodialysis. This can reduce the risks associated with vascular access, such as infections and complications related to surgical procedures.

Choice B reason: Being able to perform PD in the comfort of one's home is a major benefit. Patients can manage their dialysis treatments at home, which offers more convenience and flexibility compared to traveling to a dialysis center for hemodialysis sessions. This can greatly improve the quality of life and reduce the burden of frequent trips to healthcare facilities.

Choice C reason: Stating that there is no risk for infection with PD is inaccurate. While PD offers many benefits, it does carry a risk of peritonitis, an infection of the peritoneal cavity. Patients must be educated on proper technique and hygiene to minimize this risk. Hence, this statement is not accurate and should not be included as an advantage.

Choice D reason: Having flexibility in when to do the exchanges is another benefit of PD. Patients can schedule their dialysis exchanges at times that best fit their lifestyle and daily routines. This flexibility allows for greater independence and freedom compared to the fixed schedules required for in-center hemodialysis.

Choice E reason: PD can take less time than hemodialysis treatments, especially when considering travel and waiting times associated with in-center hemodialysis. Although the actual dialysis process for PD requires regular exchanges throughout the day or night, it integrates more seamlessly into daily life, making it a time-efficient option for many patients.

Choice A reason: Deep vein thrombosis is a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins, usually in the legs. While it is a serious condition, it is not directly associated with portal hypertension in patients with late-stage cirrhosis. Portal hypertension primarily affects the liver and its associated blood vessels, leading to complications within the portal circulation system rather than systemic venous thrombosis.

Choice B reason: Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, and it is a common complication of portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis. Increased pressure in the portal vein leads to leakage of fluid into the abdominal cavity, causing distension and discomfort. Ascites can significantly impact the patient's quality of life and requires careful management.

Choice C reason: Splenomegaly, or enlargement of the spleen, is another potential complication of portal hypertension. The increased pressure in the portal vein can cause blood to back up into the spleen, leading to its enlargement. Splenomegaly can result in hypersplenism, where the spleen becomes overactive and destroys blood cells, contributing to anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia.

Choice D reason: Esophageal varices are dilated blood vessels in the esophagus that develop as a result of portal hypertension. The increased pressure in the portal vein causes blood to divert through collateral vessels, including those in the esophagus. These varices can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding, making them a critical complication to monitor in patients with cirrhosis.

Choice E reason: Increased platelet levels are not typically seen in patients with portal hypertension. In fact, portal hypertension and cirrhosis often lead to thrombocytopenia, or low platelet levels, due to splenic sequestration and reduced platelet production. Thrombocytopenia is a more common finding in this patient population.