Kaplan NCLEX Question of The Day Related

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What is most important for the healthcare professional to do prior to initiating peritoneal dialysis?

  • A. Aspirate to check placement
  • B. Ensure the client voids
  • C. Irrigate the catheter to maintain patency
  • D. Warm the fluids
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to warm the fluids. Warming the dialysis fluids is crucial before initiating peritoneal dialysis to prevent abdominal discomfort and promote vasodilation, which helps in achieving good exchange in the peritoneum. Aspirating to check placement (Choice A) is not typically necessary before initiating peritoneal dialysis. Ensuring the client voids (Choice B) is not directly related to the procedure of peritoneal dialysis. Irrigating the catheter to maintain patency (Choice C) is usually done as part of routine care but is not specifically required prior to initiating peritoneal dialysis. Therefore, the most important action to take before starting peritoneal dialysis is to warm the fluids.