What it means
The peritoneal cavity is the space inside the peritoneumpair-ih-toh-NEE-umThe thin membrane that lines the belly cavity and covers most of the organs inside it.peri- aroundton stretched-eum a structureFull entry . In peritoneal dialysisdy-AL-ih-sisA treatment that removes wastes and extra fluid from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do it.dia- through, apart-lysis separation, looseningFull entry , fluid is run into this space through a catheter, the peritoneum acts as a filter, and the fluid is then drained out with the waste. Inflammation of the lining is peritonitis.
For the nurse
In peritoneal dialysis, use strict aseptic technique at the catheter, warm the fluid as directed, and compare the amount drained with the amount put in. Report cloudy drained fluid, fever or belly pain at once.
Remember it
Peri-TONE-al: the tone-tight lining of the tummy.
At a glance
| Spanish | peritoneal |
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Easy to confuse with
Related terms
dialysis
A treatment that removes wastes and extra fluid from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do it.
perineal
Having to do with the perineum, the area between the genitals and the anus.
peroneal
Having to do with the outer side of the lower leg, near the fibula bone.
peritoneum
The thin membrane that lines the belly cavity and covers most of the organs inside it.