During peritoneal dialysis, overfilling the abdomen can lead to which complication?

During peritoneal dialysis, overfilling the abdomen can lead to which complication?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Nausea
• C. Respiratory distress due to elevated diaphragm
• D. Dehydration

Answer: (C)

Overfilling during peritoneal dialysis raises intra-abdominal pressure, pushing the diaphragm upward and limiting lung expansion. This decreases tidal volume and can cause respiratory distress, with symptoms like shortness of breath and tachypnea. Relieving the distension by draining some dialysate or reducing the fill volume often improves ventilation quickly. While other issues can occur with dialysis, the immediate, expected consequence of overfilling is respiratory compromise due to elevated diaphragm.

Overfilling during peritoneal dialysis raises intra-abdominal pressure, pushing the diaphragm upward and limiting lung expansion. This decreases tidal volume and can cause respiratory distress, with symptoms like shortness of breath and tachypnea. Relieving the distension by draining some dialysate or reducing the fill volume often improves ventilation quickly. While other issues can occur with dialysis, the immediate, expected consequence of overfilling is respiratory compromise due to elevated diaphragm.