Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test 2026 - Free Dialysis Nurse Practice Questions and Study Guide

Peritonitis is a significant complication that can arise from infection during peritoneal dialysis. This condition occurs when the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, becomes inflamed, usually due to bacteria or pathogens entering through the catheter used for dialysis.

Patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis are particularly at risk for peritonitis because of the direct exposure of the peritoneal cavity to external environments during the process. Symptoms of peritonitis can include abdominal pain, fever, and cloudy dialysate fluid, which is indicative of infection. Immediate and effective management is essential, as untreated peritonitis can lead to severe complications, including sepsis and damage to the peritoneal lining, impairing the ability to perform future dialysis treatments.

While other options like hemorrhage can occur in different contexts, and electrolyte imbalance or hypotension can be associated with dialysis in general, they are not directly results of an infection during the procedure. The clear connection between infection and the development of peritonitis makes it the most relevant and critical complication to consider in this scenario.