Question

The patient is getting hemodialysis for the second time when he complains of a headache

and nausea and, a little later, of becoming confused. The nurse realizes these are symptoms
of
a. dialyzer membrane incompatibility.
b. a shift in potassium levels.
c. dialysis disequilibrium syndrome.
d. hypothermia.

Answer 1

The symptoms described by the patient undergoing hemodialysis are indicative of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome, which is due to cerebral edema caused by rapid urea removal during treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms of headache, nausea, and the subsequent confusion that the patient undergoing hemodialysis is experiencing can be indicative of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS). DDS is a result of cerebral edema that occurs when there is a rapid removal of urea during dialysis. This rapid change can cause an osmotic gradient leading to water moving into brain cells and swelling. The presentation of DDS includes symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and can progress to seizures and coma in severe cases.