Certified Nephrology Nurse Certification (CNN) Practice Exam

Peritonitis is a common infectious complication of peritoneal dialysis because the process involves the introduction of dialysate (a sterile solution) into the peritoneal cavity through a catheter. This creates a potential entry point for pathogens, increasing the risk of infection. The peritoneum can become inflamed and infected as a result, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and cloudy dialysate fluid.

The infection often stems from skin flora or organisms present in the dialysis equipment or the environment, highlighting the importance of adhering to strict aseptic techniques during the procedure. Identifying and treating peritonitis promptly is crucial, as it can lead to serious complications if left unaddressed, including the potential for systemic infection.

Other options, while related to general health and infection, are less directly connected to the specific process of peritoneal dialysis. Pneumonia is a respiratory infection, sepsis is a systemic response to infection, and endocarditis involves an infection of the heart valves. These conditions, while important, do not typically arise as direct complications of peritoneal dialysis like peritonitis does.