When caring for a patient who is undergoing peritoneal dialysis, the nurse recognizes that which…

3. When should the nurse notify the provider if peritonitis is suspected?
Notify the provider immediately for new abdominal pain, cloudy drainage, fever, persistent vomiting, hypotension, or systemic signs. If possible, send an effluent sample for cell count and culture before antibiotics. Early notification allows rapid intraperitoneal antibiotic therapy and reduces the risk of complications.