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 of headache, nausea, and confusion during hemodialysis are indicative of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome, a condition resulting from rapid urea removal and the resulting osmotic imbalance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient who is receiving hemodialysis and complains of a headache, nausea, and later, confusion, is likely experiencing symptoms of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS). DDS is a neurological disorder that arises due to the rapid removal of urea during dialysis, leading to a shift in osmotic gradients between the brain cells and blood, causing cerebral edema. DDS typically occurs during or immediately following hemodialysis, more commonly seen in individuals new to the procedure. Treatment may involve slowing down or stopping the dialysis process, administering anti-emetics or antihistamines for symptoms like nausea, and ensuring close monitoring to prevent severity escalation.