NORCET 10 Mains: Which of the following is the main advantage of peritoneal dialysis (PD)?

NORCET 10 Mains

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: NORCET 10 Mains

Explanation

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) offers significant lifestyle flexibility as it can be performed by the patient at home or work.
This independence from a dialysis center allows for a more normal daily schedule and reduces travel time and costs.
Compared to hemodialysis, PD is a more continuous process, which results in more stable blood chemistry.
This stability often allows for fewer dietary and fluid restrictions, particularly concerning potassium, sodium, and overall fluid intake.

Option A: PD is not necessarily more effective than hemodialysis; the choice of modality depends on the individual patient's clinical condition, lifestyle, and comorbidities. Also, patients on PD often require various medications, such as antihypertensives, phosphate binders, and sometimes antibiotics.
Option C: This is an absolute statement and is incorrect. While fluid restrictions may be more liberal with PD compared to hemodialysis, they are not completely eliminated for all patients. Fluid balance must still be carefully monitored, and restrictions may be necessary, especially if the patient has minimal residual kidney function.
Option D: This statement is false. PD carries a significant risk of peritonitis, an infection of the peritoneum, which is a major complication. Meticulous catheter and exit-site care are essential to prevent infection.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Advantages of Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A primary nursing responsibility is educating PD patients on sterile technique for exchanges to prevent peritonitis, a potentially life-threatening complication.
Nurses must teach patients to recognize early signs of infection, such as cloudy dialysate effluent, abdominal pain, or fever, and to seek immediate medical attention.
What if? If a patient on PD develops recurrent peritonitis or has had multiple abdominal surgeries causing adhesions, they may become unsuitable for PD. In this case, the nurse would prepare the patient for a transition to hemodialysis.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which asks for the 'main advantage' of peritoneal dialysis (PD).
Evaluate each option based on established knowledge of dialysis modalities.
Option A claims PD is 'more effective' and requires 'no drugs'. Both are incorrect generalizations. Effectiveness is patient-specific, and medications are common.
Option C uses the absolute term 'completely eliminates' fluid restriction. Such absolutes are often incorrect in medicine; restrictions are usually liberalized, not eliminated.
Option D claims 'no risk of infection'. This is a major red flag, as peritonitis is a well-known and serious risk of PD.
Option B states PD 'can be performed at home' and allows 'fewer dietary restrictions'. These are two of the most widely recognized benefits of PD, offering greater patient autonomy and lifestyle flexibility. This makes it the most accurate and strongest answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q2xS-OR_3RRIOV94E3X04R

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 2B p. 91-92

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 1056-1058