For a client on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, the most appropriate nursing diagnosis is:

For a client on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, the most appropriate nursing diagnosis is:

• A. Risk for infection
• B. Risk for impaired skin integrity
• C. Risk for electrolyte imbalance
• D. Acute pain

Answer: (A)

Preventing infection is the most important concern for a client on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. The dialysis catheter creates a direct entry point to the peritoneal cavity, so lapses in sterile technique during exchanges or inadequate exit-site care can allow bacteria to enter and cause peritonitis or exit-site infections. Framing the nursing diagnosis as risk for infection guides essential measures: strict hand hygiene, sterile technique for all exchanges, careful exit-site care, and patient education to watch for signs of infection such as cloudy dialysate, abdominal tenderness, or fever and to seek prompt assessment. While issues like impaired skin integrity at the exit site or electrolyte imbalances can occur with dialysis, they are secondary to the overarching risk of infection in this setting. Acute pain is not the primary concern for this nursing diagnosis, unless a specific complication is present.

Preventing infection is the most important concern for a client on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. The dialysis catheter creates a direct entry point to the peritoneal cavity, so lapses in sterile technique during exchanges or inadequate exit-site care can allow bacteria to enter and cause peritonitis or exit-site infections. Framing the nursing diagnosis as risk for infection guides essential measures: strict hand hygiene, sterile technique for all exchanges, careful exit-site care, and patient education to watch for signs of infection such as cloudy dialysate, abdominal tenderness, or fever and to seek prompt assessment.

While issues like impaired skin integrity at the exit site or electrolyte imbalances can occur with dialysis, they are secondary to the overarching risk of infection in this setting. Acute pain is not the primary concern for this nursing diagnosis, unless a specific complication is present.