This document provides information about peritoneal dialysis (PD) for nurses, including:
- PD uses the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) as a filter to remove wastes and excess fluid from the blood. A catheter is used to fill the abdomen with dialysis solution.
- Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) involves manually draining and filling the abdomen with dialysis solution several times per day using gravity. Proper hand washing and sterile technique are important for preventing infection.
- Complications of a PD catheter can include hernias, lumps, or signs of peritonitis like redness, pain, fever, or cloudy dialysis fluid. Patients should