What are common features of exit-site infection?

• A. Redness at the exit site, tenderness, and purulent drainage along the tract.
• B. Fever without local signs
• C. Itching only
• D. Dry rash along the abdomen

Answer: (A)

Exit-site infection around a PD catheter shows local skin changes at the exit site. The best description is redness at the exit site with tenderness and purulent drainage along the catheter tract. These local signs indicate an infection at the exit point and can signal progression if not treated promptly. Fever without local signs suggests a systemic issue rather than a localized exit-site problem, so it’s not the typical presentation. Itching alone doesn’t reflect an infectious process at the exit site, and a dry rash along the abdomen isn’t related to the catheter exit. Recognizing the combination of redness, tenderness, and purulent drainage helps guide appropriate local and systemic treatment to prevent deeper infection.