Final answer:
There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis involves filtering blood through a machine, while peritoneal dialysis uses the abdominal lining as a filter. As a med/surg nurse, monitoring vital signs and managing medication administration are important considerations.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the field of medicine, there are two main types of dialysis commonly used: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis involves removing blood from the patient's body, filtering it through a machine called a dialyzer to remove waste and excess fluid, and then returning the cleaned blood to the patient's body. This type of dialysis requires a vascular access point, typically created by a surgeon, which can be a fistula, graft, or catheter.
Peritoneal dialysis, on the other hand, involves using the lining of the patient's abdomen, known as the peritoneum, as a filter. A special fluid is introduced into the abdominal cavity, and waste products are removed as the fluid is drained out and replaced. Peritoneal dialysis can be performed using a catheter placed in the abdomen.
As a medical/surgical nurse, there are several concerns to consider when caring for dialysis patients. It is important to regularly monitor the patient's vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation, as well as fluid balance. Medication administration should be carefully managed, as some medications may need to be adjusted or avoided in patients undergoing dialysis.