Dialysis Procedures Flashcards

What is the first step in preparing a dialysis machine for treatment?

Answer: Check the machine settings and perform safety checks

Before connecting a patient to the dialysis machine, ensuring its proper and safe operation is paramount. This involves verifying all machine settings, performing necessary safety checks, and confirming alarm functionality. This critical first step prevents potential harm to the patient and guarantees that the treatment will be delivered accurately and effectively according to the prescription.

What is the typical duration of a hemodialysis treatment?

Answer: 3 to 5 hours

Hemodialysis treatments typically last 3 to 5 hours, performed three times a week. This duration is necessary to allow sufficient time for the dialyzer to effectively remove accumulated waste products, toxins, and excess fluid from the patient's blood. The specific duration is tailored to the individual patient's needs, kidney function, and fluid status to achieve optimal clearance.

Which parameter is **most critical** to monitor during a dialysis session?

Answer: Blood pressure

Blood pressure is the most critical parameter to monitor because rapid fluid removal during dialysis can cause significant drops, leading to hypotension, dizziness, and fainting. Maintaining stable blood pressure is vital for patient safety and comfort, preventing complications like organ hypoperfusion. Frequent monitoring allows for timely interventions, such as adjusting ultrafiltration or administering saline, to stabilize the patient.

What is the purpose of the dialyzer in a hemodialysis machine?

Answer: Filters waste and excess fluid from the blood

The dialyzer, often referred to as the 'artificial kidney,' is the central component of the hemodialysis machine. It contains a semi-permeable membrane that filters waste products like urea, creatinine, and excess electrolytes, along with excess fluid, from the patient's blood into the dialysate solution. This process effectively mimics the filtering function of healthy kidneys, purifying the blood.

What must be done before disconnecting a patient from dialysis?

Answer: Return the patient's blood and remove needles

Before disconnecting, it is crucial to return all the patient's blood from the extracorporeal circuit (bloodlines and dialyzer) back into their body to prevent blood loss. Once the blood return is complete, the needles can be safely removed from the vascular access site. This sequence ensures patient safety and minimizes complications such as bleeding or air embolism.

What action should be taken if a patient shows signs of hypotension during dialysis?

Answer: Recline the patient and reduce ultrafiltration

Hypotension during dialysis is often caused by rapid fluid removal. Reclining the patient helps improve venous return to the heart and brain, while reducing the ultrafiltration rate slows down the rate of fluid removal. These combined actions help to raise blood pressure and alleviate symptoms, preventing further complications and ensuring patient safety.

What does the conductivity of dialysate measure?

Answer: Electrolyte concentration

Conductivity measures the ability of a solution to conduct an electrical current, which directly correlates with the concentration of charged particles (electrolytes) within it. In dialysate, accurate conductivity ensures the correct balance of sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes, crucial for effective waste removal and preventing electrolyte imbalances in the patient. Deviations can indicate an improperly mixed dialysate, posing a significant risk to the patient.

What is the function of heparin in dialysis?

Answer: Prevent clotting

Heparin is an anticoagulant administered during hemodialysis to prevent blood from clotting within the extracorporeal circuit, which includes the bloodlines and dialyzer. Without heparin, the blood would clot in the tubing, rendering the treatment ineffective and potentially causing significant blood loss. It ensures a smooth and continuous flow of blood for efficient filtration.

What is a common symptom if air enters the dialysis bloodlines?

Answer: Shortness of breath and chest pain

Air entering the bloodstream (air embolism) is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication during dialysis. Symptoms like sudden shortness of breath and chest pain occur because the air can obstruct blood flow to the lungs and heart. Immediate intervention is required to prevent severe cardiac or respiratory compromise.