Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis

A set of 33 vocabulary flashcards covering key nursing care concepts, complications, and procedures for Hemodialysis (HD) and Peritoneal Dialysis (PD).

Hemodialysis (HD)

A procedure used to remove waste, excess fluid, and certain electrolytes when the kidneys cannot adequately do so.

Pre- and Post-Dialysis Weight

Daily, pre-treatment, and post-treatment weight measurements taken to evaluate fluid removal during hemodialysis.

Pre- and Post-Dialysis Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

Cardiovascular vital signs assessed both before and after hemodialysis treatment.

Lung Sounds and Edema Assessment

Physical assessments evaluated before and after hemodialysis to monitor the patient's fluid status.

Potassium and Ordered Labs

Laboratory values checked before and after hemodialysis to monitor electrolyte shifts and dialysis effectiveness.

Vascular Access Assessment

Evaluation of the site used for hemodialysis, performed before and after treatment.

Thrill

A palpable vibration felt over a vascular access site (AV fistula) indicating blood flow.

Bruit

An audible whooshing sound heard with a stethoscope over a vascular access site (AV fistula).

Absent Thrill/Bruit

The lack of palpable vibration or audible whooshing over an AV fistula, indicating a potential clot or occlusion that must be reported promptly.

Access Arm Blood Pressure Restriction

The rule stating that NO blood pressure should be taken on the arm with a vascular access site to protect the access.

Access Arm IV/Venipuncture Restriction

The rule stating that NO IV placement or venipuncture should be performed on the arm with a vascular access.

Access Arm Clothing Restriction

The rule prohibiting constrictive clothing on the arm with a vascular access to prevent occlusion.

Access Arm Infection and Bleeding Assessment

Targeted monitoring of the vascular access arm to identify signs of infection or hemorrhage.

Dialysis-Induced Hypotension

A common hemodialysis complication caused by rapid fluid removal.

Muscle Cramps

A common physical complication that occurs during hemodialysis.

Electrolyte-Induced Dysrhythmias

Cardiac rhythm disturbances occurring as a common complication of hemodialysis due to rapid electrolyte shifts.

Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome

A hemodialysis complication presenting with headache, confusion, and seizures, most likely during treatment initiation or aggressive dialysis.

Missed Dialysis Complications

Adverse consequences of skipping hemodialysis, including fluid overload, hyperkalemia, acidosis, and uremia.

Hemodialysis (HD) Memory Tip

HD removes fluid and solutes from the BLOOD; essential nursing care involves monitoring BP, weight, access, and potassium.

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)

A dialysis method where dialysate enters the peritoneal cavity, remains for a prescribed dwell time, and then drains out.

Sterile/Aseptic Technique (PD)

The strict infection control practice that must be maintained for all peritoneal dialysis connections.

Dialysate Warmer

An approved device used to warm dialysate prior to infusion (a microwave must never be used).

Inflow and Outflow

The measurement and monitoring of dialysate solution instilled into and drained out of the peritoneal cavity.

Effluent Appearance

The visual characteristics of the drained peritoneal dialysis fluid that must be documented by the nurse.

Abdominal Pain and Distention Assessment (PD)

Nursing evaluation of the abdomen for discomfort and swelling during peritoneal dialysis care.

Tubing Kinks or Clamps (PD Drainage)

Mechanical obstructions that should be checked first when troubleshooting poor peritoneal drainage.

Patient Repositioning (PD Drainage)

A nursing troubleshooting intervention to improve poor peritoneal fluid drainage by changing the patient's position.

Constipation Assessment (PD Drainage)

Checking bowel status as a cause of poor peritoneal dialysis drainage, requiring notification of the dialysis team if unresolved.

Cloudy Effluent

A major warning sign and primary clinical indicator of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis.

Peritonitis: Abdominal Pain/Tenderness

A clinical manifestation of peritonitis characterized by pain and tenderness in the abdomen.

Peritonitis: Fever

A systemic sign of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients that may sometimes be absent.

Peritonitis: Nausea

A gastrointestinal symptom associated with peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis.

Suspected Peritonitis Priority Actions

The nursing priorities to report suspected peritonitis immediately, collect an effluent specimen per protocol, and anticipate antibiotic administration.