What should the nurse monitor closely for a client undergoing peritoneal dialysis to prevent peritonitis?

In the context of peritoneal dialysis, closely monitoring the color and clarity of the dialysate is crucial for identifying potential signs of peritonitis. Peritonitis, an infection of the peritoneal cavity, can occur when the dialysis procedure is not performed under sterile conditions or if there is contamination. Changes in the dialysate—such as cloudiness or the presence of unusual color—can indicate infection. Clear and uncolored dialysate typically signifies that there is no infection, while altered characteristics may prompt further investigation and intervention.

This vigilance in monitoring dialysate characteristics helps the healthcare team detect and address complications early, thereby enhancing patient safety and treatment efficacy. The other options, while important in their own contexts, do not directly relate to identifying peritonitis as specifically as monitoring dialysate color and clarity does.