What problems may be present in a patient prescribed urgent-start peritoneal dialysis?

Fluid volume overload and high BUN and creatinine levels (uremia) are significant concerns in a patient who is initiated on urgent-start peritoneal dialysis. Urgent-start dialysis is often implemented in cases where patients show signs of kidney failure and require immediate intervention.

Fluid volume overload may occur due to the kidneys' inability to effectively remove excess fluids, leading to symptoms such as edema, hypertension, and heart failure. This condition needs to be closely monitored as it can enhance complications and weaken patient physiology.

High levels of BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine indicate a decline in kidney function and result from the accumulation of waste products that the kidneys are no longer able to filter out effectively. Uremia is a direct consequence of chronic renal failure, where these waste products build up in the bloodstream, leading to various health issues, including fatigue, nausea, and impaired cognitive function.

Together, these conditions represent the immediate physiological challenges faced by a patient requiring urgent-start peritoneal dialysis and emphasize the need for effective management and monitoring of the patient’s overall clinical status.