Question

A patient with AKI dialyzes in the out patient facility. In regards to the position target weight, why is being wet better than being too dry?

A) To avoid potential blood clotting during dialysis
B) To prevent a drop in blood pressure leading to dizziness
C) To reduce the risk of infection during dialysis
D) To maintain cardiovascular stability and prevent cramping

Answer 1

Being 'wet' or slightly overhydrated helps maintain cardiovascular stability and prevent cramping during hemodialysis for AKI patients, preventing serious complications like a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

In regards to the position of target weight for a patient with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) who dialyzes in an outpatient facility, being slightly overhydrated, or "wet," is generally considered better than being too "dry" because it helps to maintain cardiovascular stability and prevent cramping. If a patient becomes too dry, due to excessive fluid removal, there can be a dangerous drop in blood pressure, which can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, and in severe cases, it can even cause shock. Maintaining a slightly higher fluid status can prevent these complications, as the kidneys also need constant pressure to filter the blood effectively. During hemodialysis, ensuring the patient's weight doesn't drop too much during fluid removal is crucial to avoid these serious complications.