Dialysis

Alternative names:

artificial kidneys; AV fistula; AV graft; hemodialysis; peritoneal dialysis

What the risks are:

Immediate risks include:

• shock
• emotional distress
• infection
• electrolyte imbalance

Long term risks include:

• anemia
• hypotension
• growth retardation
• neurologic complications
• pericarditis
• osteodystrophy
• severe psychological problems
• peritonitis (for peritoneal dialysis)

+ See peritonitis; dialysis associated

Special considerations:

Take the following precautions if you have internal angioaccess (access to a vein through a fistula or AV Graft):

• when you sleep, avoid placing pressure on the extremity with the access
• do not allow anyone to take a blood pressure on the extremity with the access
• observe the access site after dialysis watching for swelling, infection or bleeding
• do not wear tight clothing around the access site
• routinely check the access site for the thrill indicating that the AV site is still functioning (if the thrill disappears, call your health care provider immediately)
• do not use creams or lotions over the access site

If you have an external access, take additional precautions:

• avoid physical activity that might dislodge the access, which could result in excessive bleeding and air entering the circulatory system (if this happens call 911 and get immediate medical attention)
• if the color in the tubes changes color and becomes a dark red, call your health care provider immediately (the blood may be clotting)
• always keep a clamping tool on hand; in the event that the tubing comes unclamped, you can use the tool to clamp off the tube and stop the bleeding (if this happens call your health care provider immediately)
• call your health care provider immediately if your have a fever or other sign of infection
• do not allow the site to become wet (protect it with plastic if you are to bath)