Question

A man with end-stage kidney disease is scheduled for hemodialysis following healing of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). What should the nurse explain to him that will occur during dialysis?

a. He will be able to visit, read, sleep, or watch TV while reclining in a chair.
b. He will be placed on a cardiac monitor to detect any adverse effects that might occur.
c. The dialyzer will remove and hold part of his blood for 20 to 30 minutes to remove the waste products.
d. A large catheter with two lumens will be inserted into the fistula to send blood to and return it from the dialyzer.

Answer 1

During hemodialysis, a patient can perform seated activities while their blood is filtered through a dialysis machine using an arteriovenous fistula. The process removes waste products and is repeated multiple times a week.

Step-by-step explanation:

During hemodialysis, a patient with end-stage kidney disease can expect to sit comfortably and engage in various activities such as reading, sleeping, or watching TV. The process involves an exchange where the blood is cleansed of wastes and excess fluids before being returned to the body. A specialized machine called a dialyzer or artificial kidney is used to filter the blood. The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) that has been placed and healed in the patient's arm will be used for access. The blood will travel through two tubes connected to the dialyzer, where diffusion and ultrafiltration occur. Waste products such as urea are removed, and the cleaned blood is then returned to the body through this ongoing process. The treatment duration typically ranges from 2 to 8 hours and occurs multiple times a week. While on the machine, the patient is monitored, but they do not need to remain immobile and can engage in relaxing activities during this time.