When a client receiving peritoneal dialysis reports respiratory difficulty, what is the first action the nurse should take?

When a client receiving peritoneal dialysis reports respiratory difficulty, the most appropriate initial action for the nurse is to auscultate the lungs. This step is crucial because it allows the nurse to assess the lung sounds and determine any abnormal findings such as crackles, wheezes, or diminished breath sounds that could indicate fluid overload, atelectasis, or other respiratory complications associated with peritoneal dialysis.

Auscultation provides immediate insight into the respiratory status and helps guide further actions. Once the assessment is done, the nurse can decide the next appropriate steps, such as obtaining arterial blood gases if indicated, notifying the healthcare provider about significant findings, or implementing other interventions.

Performing other actions such as obtaining arterial blood gases or notifying the healthcare provider may be necessary but should ideally follow an initial assessment, as understanding the current respiratory status is critical for appropriate clinical decision-making. Applying pressure to the abdomen is not a standard or effective response to respiratory difficulty in this context and may worsen the situation.