Access & Equipment
This “gold standard” vascular access for long-term hemodialysis offers the best durability and lowest infection risk.
What is an AV fistula?
The dialyzer is often referred to by this nickname.
What is the “artificial kidney”?
During hemodialysis, the patient becomes dizzy and nauseated - what is the patient experiencing?
Hypotension
What are the nursing interventions for a patient with redness and warmth around access site with drainage and fever?
LPN cultures site, applies sterile dressing, notifies provider, and teaches patient to monitor for signs of infection.
A synthetic tube connecting artery and vein
What is an AV Graft?
This process uses a semipermeable membrane inside the body to move waste and fluids out of the bloodstream.
What is peritoneal dialysis?
A patient has skipped their last dialysis treatment and today presents with muscle weakness and the nurse notices ECG changes. What complication should the nurse anticipate?
hyperkalemia > 6 mEq/L
What are the appropriate nursing interventions for a patient who is experiencing hypotension during their dialysis treatment?
LPN responds with Trendelenburg position and slow ultrafiltration, then administers this IV fluid.
When assessing an AV fistula, you'd expect these two signs: one heard (whooshing) and one felt (vibration).
What are bruit and thrill?
The major indication for PD is that it uses this natural membrane as a filtration surface.
What is the peritoneal membrane?
Cloudy peritoneal fluid, abdominal pain, and fever suggest this serious complication of PD.
What is peritonitis?
What is the nurse's role when there is an absence of bruit/thrill and no blood return?
LPN immediately informs provider, prepares for interventional imaging, and reviews arm care signs with patient (e.g., avoiding compression).
You must avoid this procedure on the arm with an AV fistula to prevent access complications.
What is taking blood pressure in that arm?
List 2 implications for dialysis.
Acute kidney injury, ESRD, severe electrolyte imbalances, drug overdose
After dialysis, patient complains of headache and confusion. What should the nurse be worried about?
Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome
Patient on HD reports painful muscle cramps in legs mid-treatment. List the LPN's role and interventions
LPN slows ultrafiltration, provides warm compress and massage, and teaches patient to stretch before next treatment.
Compared with grafts or catheters, an AV fistula has this advantage regarding infection and longevity.
What is lower infection risk and longer lifespan?
What are the 3 phrases of peritoneal dialysis?
Fill, Dwell, Drain
Sudden chest pain, tachycardia, and pallor during dialysis could indicate this life-threatening event.
What is an air embolism?
A patient is presenting with Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome. What are the appropriate nursing interventions?
LPN prepares to slow next session’s rate, monitors neuro signs, uses seizure precautions, and teaches warning signs