Peritoneal Dialysis Procedure

Study Notes

Here is a summary of the text in detailed bullet points:

• Peritoneal dialysis is a type of dialysis that uses the peritoneum, a semi-permeable membrane in the abdominal cavity, as a filtration membrane to remove waste products from the blood.

• Indications for peritoneal dialysis include patients who cannot tolerate hemodialysis, have chronic infections, unstable hypertension, or are unable to handle anticoagulants.

• Peritoneal dialysis allows for independence, as patients can perform the procedure at home, and does not require vascular access or a machine.

• The procedure involves inserting a peritoneal catheter, instilling a sterile solution (dialysate) into the peritoneum, allowing it to dwell, and then draining the waste-filled solution into a drainage bag.

• There are two types of peritoneal dialysis: continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD).

• CAPD involves multiple exchanges of dialysate throughout the day, while APD uses a machine to perform the exchanges at night.

• Pre-procedure steps include checking the patient's weight, lab results, and blood sugar levels, as well as ensuring the patient has given informed consent and has a healthy vascular access site.

• Intra-procedure steps include monitoring the patient's vital signs, ensuring the access site is clean and free of leakage, and teaching the patient proper technique for performing the procedure.

• Post-procedure steps include monitoring the patient's vital signs, lab results, and blood sugar levels, as well as educating the patient on proper care and maintenance of the catheter site.

• Complications of peritoneal dialysis include infection, particularly at the catheter site, and hyperglycemia due to the hypertonic dialysate.

• Signs and symptoms of peritonitis, a complication of peritoneal dialysis, include cloudy or dark-colored drainage, fever, and abdominal pain.

• Hyperglycemia can be managed by checking blood sugar levels and administering insulin as needed.

• Patient education is crucial to prevent complications, including proper cleaning and maintenance of the catheter site, and understanding signs and symptoms of complications.