To prevent the most common serious complication of peritoneal dialysis, it is important for the nurse to:

Reposition the patient frequently and promote deep breathing.

Infuse the dialysate slowly.

Use strict aseptic technique in the dialysis procedures.

Have the patient empty the bowel before the inflow phase.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Repositioning the patient frequently and promoting deep breathing are important interventions for various conditions, particularly for preventing atelectasis and respiratory complications. However, they are not directly related to preventing the most common serious complication of peritoneal dialysis, which is peritonitis.

Choice B reason: Infusing the dialysate slowly can help manage discomfort and ensure proper fluid exchange during peritoneal dialysis. However, it does not address the most serious complication, which is infection.

Choice C reason: Using strict aseptic technique in dialysis procedures is crucial in preventing peritonitis, the most serious and common complication of peritoneal dialysis. Peritonitis is an infection of the peritoneal cavity and can lead to severe complications if not prevented. Adhering to aseptic techniques during catheter insertion, connection, disconnection, and any other procedure involving the dialysis system is essential to reduce the risk of infection.

Choice D reason: Having the patient empty the bowel before the inflow phase can help ensure adequate space in the peritoneal cavity for the dialysate and prevent discomfort. However, this action does not directly prevent the serious complication of peritonitis.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Hepatomegaly, or enlarged liver, is not a typical finding in DIC. While DIC can affect multiple organs due to widespread microvascular thrombosis and bleeding, hepatomegaly is more commonly associated with other conditions such as liver diseases or congestive heart failure.

Choice B reason: Splenomegaly, or enlarged spleen, is also not a common finding in DIC. Although the spleen can be involved in various hematologic disorders, DIC primarily affects the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems, leading to bleeding and clotting issues rather than spleen enlargement.

Choice C reason: Anuria, or absence of urine production, can occur in severe cases of DIC due to acute kidney injury from microvascular thrombosis or bleeding. However, it is not as common a finding as petechiae, bleeding gums, and ecchymosis. Anuria indicates a critical state requiring immediate intervention but is not the primary expected finding in DIC.

Choice D reason: Ecchymosis, or bruising, is a common finding in DIC. DIC involves widespread activation of the coagulation cascade leading to the consumption of clotting factors and platelets, resulting in bleeding manifestations such as petechiae, bleeding gums, and ecchymosis. These signs indicate the body's inability to form stable clots and the presence of spontaneous bleeding.

A. Recheck all of the patient's vital signs. B. Elevate the patient's knees and lower the head of the bed. C. Elevate the head of the bed immediately and notify the provider. D. Administer PRN Tylenol for the patient's headache.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Rechecking all of the patient's vital signs is a good practice, but it is not the priority action in this scenario. The patient's symptoms indicate a potential case of autonomic dysreflexia, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate action to reduce blood pressure and address the cause. Rechecking vital signs alone will not resolve the underlying issue.

Choice B reason: Elevating the patient's knees and lowering the head of the bed is not an appropriate action in this situation. This position could potentially increase intracranial pressure and exacerbate the patient's condition. The focus should be on measures that will help lower the blood pressure and alleviate the symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia.

Choice C reason: The priority action is to elevate the head of the bed immediately and notify the provider. Elevating the head of the bed helps to decrease blood pressure and improve venous return. Promptly notifying the provider ensures that the patient receives timely medical intervention to address the underlying cause of autonomic dysreflexia, which is critical for preventing further complications.

Choice D reason: Administering PRN Tylenol for the patient's headache is not the priority in this situation. While pain management is important, the patient's symptoms suggest a more severe condition (autonomic dysreflexia) that requires immediate attention to lower blood pressure and address the root cause. Pain medication alone will not resolve the underlying issue and could delay necessary interventions.

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