Dialysis
Dialysis is kind of like having a machine be your kidneys. The purpose of dialysis are the following:
Rids the body of fluid excess and electrolyte excess
Eliminates toxins that the kidneys have not been able to filter out
Achieves acid-base balance
So if its doing the jobs of your kidneys, then you know one more thing: its for people with kidney malfunction. So what are some diseases this is indicated for?!
Kidney Disease
Acute Kidney Injury
Kidney Cancer
There are two different types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis sends blood through the dialyzer and then back into the body.
Peritoneal Dialysis instills a hypertonic dialysate solution into the peritoneal cavity. It then drains and removes the waste products.
So for hemodialysis, here are some nursing interventions you need to remember:
You need informed consent.
Assess the patency of the fistula.
Do not measure BP in affected extremity.
Palpate the thrill!! Or as I love saying... feel the thrill!
Have protamine sulfate at hand to reverse heparin if needed.
If nausea, dizziness, and headache occur, tell the pt to notify you or the doctor.
Weights before and after.
Here are your interventions for peritoneal dialysis:
Daily weights!
Monitor electrolytes!
Inform the client that they might feel fullness during the procedure.
Keep the outflow bag lower than the client’s abdomen.
Report cloudy dialysate! Its indicative of infection!
These are some simple tips about dialysis but just remember the basics. Unless you are going to be a dialysis nurse, this is what you need to know. :)
