Author Archives: azaleaazelia

  Patients who shorten their prescribed dialysis session endanger their health Try and establish the reason for shortening of session: Does the patient have an important commitment elsewhere at that particular time e.g. funeral, job interview or other medical appointment. … Continue reading →

  Post dialysis care: As dialysis is  approaching completion, prepare equipment ready to terminate dialysis and disconnect the patient from the machine Obtain any required post dialysis blood samples Disconnect acces per protocols Where possible, encourage patients to be involved … Continue reading →

  Once dialysis has commenced, all patients can expect to have their dialysis monitored and recorded, any issues shared with the staff actioned. Observation should be recorded in electronic patient records and in dialysis care round document. adequate observations will … Continue reading →

  Calculate fluid removal and dialysis plan based on observations and patient assessment. Ensure patient understands the need for any re-setting of dry weight or other changes to treatment. Review and prepare for any pre-dialysis testing (such as blood borne … Continue reading →

  TEMPERATURE Ideally 35.8-37 C and should be comparable with previous pre-dialysis recording Outside this range consider sepsis, hypothermia Ensure no obvious access infection following central  venous access device protocol Question as to whether patient has been systematically unwell at … Continue reading →

  BLOOD PRESSURE Ideally <140/80mmHg. Acceptable up to 160 systolic and 90 diastolic. Higher systolic may be acceptable in patients with a wide pulse pressure and where rapid falls occurs with dialysis. If blood pressure has been gradually increasing then … Continue reading →

  Review baseline information: 1. Weigh gain – ideally <5% of prescribed dry weight 2. If weigh gains are higher than this: Educate patients in safe fluid intake, diet and how to reduce high salt intake        foods … Continue reading →