I work in a for-profit dialysis as an advanced practice RN. I am NOT employed by the unit, rather the MD's that staff it. I must preface this with the fact that I have only been in this position since July. I am very concerned about our fluid overloaded patients and the common practice to take off "as much as they want." I was always told no more than 6%of pre-dialysis weight. I have ordered PUF treatments for in between hemodialysis treatments to relieve pulmonary edema, but will not endorse more than 6% off. Who determines in your units how much is taken off?
Is it the patients? Do you need an order to take off more than 6%? How much say do your patients have? Thanks.