RN Safety and Infection Control Related

Review RN Safety and Infection Control related questions and content

A client with a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease has an indwelling peritoneal catheter in the abdomen for peritoneal dialysis. While bathing, the client spills water on the abdominal dressing. Which action should the nurse perform to best assure client safety?

  • A. Change the dressing.
  • B. Reinforce the dressing.
  • C. Flush the peritoneal dialysis catheter.
  • D. Scrub the catheter with povidone-iodine.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Clients with peritoneal dialysis catheters are at high risk for infection. A dressing that is wet is a conduit for bacteria to reach the catheter insertion site. The nurse ensures that the dressing is kept dry at all times. Reinforcing the dressing is not a safe practice to prevent infection in this circumstance. Flushing the catheter is not indicated. Scrubbing the catheter with povidone-iodine is done at the time of connection or disconnection of peritoneal dialysis.