What is the primary purpose of peritoneal dialysis in a client with acute kidney injury?

The primary purpose of peritoneal dialysis in a client with acute kidney injury is to help perform some of the work usually done by the kidneys. In this context, when the kidneys are unable to function effectively, dialysis serves as a substitutive therapy to remove waste products, excess electrolytes, and fluids from the body. This process is crucial in maintaining homeostasis, regulating electrolyte balance, and preventing the toxic accumulation of substances that would typically be excreted by healthy kidneys.

Peritoneal dialysis utilizes the peritoneum as a membrane through which fluids and solutes can be exchanged. With this method, the dialysis solution is introduced into the abdominal cavity, allowing for passive diffusion and osmosis to occur. The accumulation of toxins and other metabolites in a client with acute kidney injury can lead to serious complications, and peritoneal dialysis helps mitigate these risks by filtering and cleansing the blood manually.

While the other choices mention aspects related to health management, they do not align with the primary intention of peritoneal dialysis as a life-sustaining treatment during acute kidney injury. Providing nutrients, facilitating weight loss through fluid removal, and replacing medications affected by renal impairment are not the main objectives of this dialysis method; instead, the focus is primarily on restoring the