Final answer:
Hemodialysis is a medical procedure essential for patients with kidney failure, involving the removal of wastes and excess water from the blood. Dialysis technicians work under the supervision of registered nurses to monitor and assist patients during this critical care treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of hemodialysis is a critical medical procedure for patients with kidney failure. During this treatment, a patient's blood is filtered through a machine that removes waste products and excess water. Under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, dialysis technicians are responsible for several tasks including weighing the patient to monitor fluid status and ensuring that all medications, except for antihypertensive medications, are administered to the patient. This is done because blood pressure can drop during dialysis, and antihypertensives can exacerbate this effect. The treatment process also involves taking and reporting the patient's vital signs, prepping solutions, and maintaining equipment for accurate and sterile procedures.
Each dialysis session can remove 5 to 10 pounds of waste-containing fluid and can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, with multiple sessions required each week. Continuous monitoring is essential as waste materials constantly build up in the bloodstream, making dialysis a temporary solution with kidney transplant being a more permanent option.