Today our topic of discussion is Nursing Care for Hemodialysis.
Nursing Care for Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis separates solutes by differential diffusion through a cellophane membrane placed between the blood and dialysate solution, in an external receptacle. Blood is shunted through an artificial kidney (dialyzer) for the removal of excess fluid and toxins and then returned to the venous circulation.
Because the blood must actually pass out of the body into a dialysis machine, hemodialysis requires an access route to the blood supply by an arteriovenous fistula or cannula or by a bovine or synthetic graft.
Hemodialysis is a fast and efficient method of removing urea and other toxic products. It is usually performed three times per week for four hours and can be done in a hospital, outpatient dialysis center, or at home.
Nursing Care
- Weigh the patient
- Record the vital signs and blood pressure in sitting and standing position
- Auscultate heart for rate rhythm and abnormalities
- Observe respiratory rate rhythm and quality .
- Asses for edema
- Check the mental status and condition of patency in the access site
- Check the last date of dialysis and evaluate the previous lab data
- Place the patient in a comfortable position supine or sitting in a recliner chair with feet elevated.
- Make sure the site is well supported and resting on a clean drape .
- Explain the procedure to the patient if the patient is undergoing the hemodialysis for the first time
- Use standard precaution in all cases to prevent the transmission of infection
- Wash the hand before and after the procedure.
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