If a client on peritoneal dialysis reports that only half of the dialysate is drained, what should the nurse recommend?

When a client on peritoneal dialysis reports that only half of the dialysate has drained, recommending that the client be encouraged to have a bowel movement is appropriate because constipation can impede the flow of dialysate and cause incomplete drainage. The presence of a full bowel can exert pressure on the peritoneal cavity and make it difficult for the dialysis fluid to completely drain from the abdomen.

Encouraging a bowel movement may help alleviate any impaction or blockage that could be affecting the drainage process. This is especially pertinent as abdominal displacement from bowel contents can lead to inadequate dialysis exchange, thereby affecting treatment efficiency.

Applying heat to the abdomen could be uncomfortable and does not specifically address the underlying issue related to incomplete drainage. The action of stripping the dialysis catheter can potentially introduce infection or cause discomfort, and instilling more dialysate solution would not solve the issue of drainage. By focusing on promoting a bowel movement, the nurse addresses a common and potentially easily resolved issue directly related to the client's complaint.