Dialysis Treatment Flow Chart

What role do Patient Care Technicians (PTs) function under in a healthcare setting?

PTs function under the license, supervision, and direction of nurses (RN and/or LPN/LVN).

Who supervises and directs the LPN/LVN?

The LPN/LVN functions under the license, supervision, and direction of the Registered Nurse.

What is one of the main responsibilities of nurses in a clinic?

Nurses direct the workflow of the clinic and delegate appropriate tasks based on employee role, training, competency, and state regulations.

What is the first step in setting up a dialysis machine for the day?

Turn on the machine and run the rinse cycle.

During the setup for a patient, what should be verified regarding the dialyzer and dialysate concentrate?

Verify that the correct ordered dialyzer and dialysate concentrate match the orders.

What is the purpose of priming the dialyzer with saline?

To prepare the dialyzer for the patient's treatment.

What should be done in the pre-treatment evaluation of a patient?

Take patient vital signs and perform an initial evaluation of condition, complaints, and changes.

What is included in the pre-treatment evaluation documentation?

Document the pre-treatment evaluation and evaluate access.

What is the procedure for initiating treatment with a patient?

Cannulate the patient, which includes selecting the site, preparing it, inserting the needle, testing for patency, and taping the needle.

What should be done every 30 minutes during intra-treatment monitoring?

Take vital signs and collect and interpret machine and patient data.

What steps are taken to terminate treatment?

Collect post-treatment labs, return blood from arterial and venous segments, compare vital signs, evaluate the patient, and remove needles.

What must be documented at the end of a dialysis treatment?

Document the treatment and the patient's discharge.

What does the 'Check 10 Checklist' ensure?

It ensures final machine verification before starting the treatment.

What is the role of Heparin in the dialysis process?

Heparin is administered as a bolus to prevent clotting during treatment.

What is essential to monitor about the patient during intra-treatment?

Check the patient's mental and physical status.

What does it mean to 'refresh the prime' during dialysis treatment?

To ensure that the blood lines have adequate saline to maintain flow.

What should be done after treatment is terminated?

Weigh the patient and evaluate weight change.

What is the protocol regarding the disposal of materials after treatment?

Dispose of materials properly and disinfect supplies and equipment externally.

What must be collected as part of post-treatment processes?

Collect post-treatment labs.

What is the importance of performing an RN assessment during pre-treatment?

To assess the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).

How often should patient vital signs be taken during treatment?

Every 30 minutes.

What should be done if there is a failure in machine tests during setup?

Respond to failed machine tests appropriately.

Why is it necessary to circulate saline during the setup?

To ensure the dialysis machine is working correctly and is ready for treatment.

What task is performed immediately after cannulating the patient?

Prepare labs for testing.

What should be documented when starting treatment?

Document the start of treatment for both the patient and the machine.

What is the purpose of evaluating access before treatment?

To ensure that vascular access is adequate for the dialysis procedure.

What should be compared with previous measurements as part of terminating treatment?

Compare the current vital signs with those taken pre-treatment.

What cleaning procedure follows the treatment?

Disinfect supplies and equipment externally.

What is the responsibility of the Patient Care Technician during treatment?

To monitor the patient and machine data and provide ongoing evaluations.

Who is ultimately responsible for the tasks delegated during patient care?

The nurses (RN or LPN/LVN) are responsible for supervising and directing the tasks.

What does ‘take patient vital signs’ involve during the evaluation?

Measuring the patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate.

What is the importance of entering the dialysis treatment prescription?

It ensures that the treatment aligns with the patient's specific medical needs.