Air embolism during hemodialysis

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Oncology, Psych.

Hi everyone,

I'm busy prepping for the boards, currently reviewing renal material, and I'm hoping that some of the dialysis/nephrology nurses out there can help me. I understand that air embolus can be a complication of hemodialysis. My problem is that I've never seen anyone undergo hemodialysis, so I don't really understand HOW the air gets in there. Sorry if this sounds like a silly question. I'll be grateful for any responses! Thanks!

-Erin

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A saline line is attached to the pt's lines and when you give saline to the pt sometimes the saline bag will run dry if you are not paying attention. Pt's are connected to a tubing set and anytime you twist open a cap to give meds or saline you have 2 make sure the saline lines are clamped first then you can give your meds or whatever if not you run the risk of air entering the lines which can cause some serious problems 2 the pt. I forgot when you are priming the lines b4 the pt gets on the machine u have 2 make sure there r no visible air bubbles in the lines. Hope this helps

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Sorry if this sounds like a silly question...

One thing you must always remember is that there are no silly or stupid questions.

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Plus you spend forever getting the air out of the dialyzer. So an improperly prepared set up is a source of risk

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