Hemodialysis
Safety Considerations
When you're Involved Safety Increases!
We are human, the more you know and understand about your treatment the safer you are.
- Medication list including doses and reason you are on each medication.
- Let us know of any general health changes that occur between treatments.
- Be in tune with your body and even if you don't like it, be honest with how you're feeling. Let us know if you don't feel right.
- If something doesn't seem right speak up because your are a valued member of the team for your safety.
- It can also be helpful to have a friend or family member come with you at the beginning and end of treatments, if possible.
Lets Talk
Many people find talking to doctors and nurses to be a challenge. However we encourage you to ask questions and speak up if you're concerned.
Tips:
- Please remember to speak kindly and in a respectful tone.
- When approaching conversations about a problem try to do so calmly.
- If you don't understand something please ask for we are not mind readers.
- It is your right to information about your care.
6 key areas staff focus on to prevent errors
- Clean Hands
- Correct Dialyzer
- Right Medication
- Following the Routine
- Fall Prevention
- Preventing Needle Dislodgment
Source
Patient Safety Improvement Toolkit. (2012, February). Retrieved November 28, 2015, from http://kidneypatientsafety.org/toolkit.aspx
Risk Factors
Some people may experience negative symptoms from hemodialysis but not everyone experiences these adverse effects.
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Muscle cramps
- Itching
- Sleep problems
- Anemia
- Bone diseases: Your body can no longer process vitamin D which helps you absorb calcium.
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Fluid overload: Fluid is removed through hemodialysis, if you drink too much between treatments you can cause fluid overload.
- Pericarditis: Inflammation of membrane surrounding the heart
- Depression
- Amyloidosis: Protein in blood deposits on the tendons and joints causing pain.
- Access site complications: Infection, blockage or narrowing or ballooning of blood vessel wall.
- High potassium levels (hyperkalemia)
Source
Hemodialysis. (2013). Retrieved November 27, 2015, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hemodialysis/basics/risks/prc-20015015