Dialysis Question

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Specializes in LPN.

Hemodialysis or Peritoneal, - What are the problems that can arrise? What do you do when it happens?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

There are many problems. Can you be more specific? Also is this a homework question?

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Specializes in LPN.

It is not a homework question. My facility is thinking of doing dialysis, and will be inservicing us soon. I want to read up, and know a little information before the training starts. I especially want to know what to do if something goes wrong. I feel it's better to be prepared going in to the meetings, and also when I start doing this, because knowledge helps us do things right. I am not sure what goes into this, and have had zero training. I am thinking of making a little cheat sheet type application, I figure the more I work on the information, the more familiar I will be with it all. I know there will be people trusting me with their life, and it's a big responsibility, one that I want to get right. - every time.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

No problem. I'm thinking you work in LTC? Basically dialysis nurses do the dialysis and you care for the pt before and after probably muchthe same way you do now.

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Specializes in LPN.

That is a relief. At least I hope it is that way. Still, I can't help thinking there will be unique problems to monitor. I am thinking b/p's, diabetics, bleeding. If I am not responsible for the machines and actual procedure, that would be a big relief. I have seen your name a lot around here, and I have come to respect you, from afar. If this thing goes the other way, and I am involved more deeply, is it alright if I IM you?

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

There is some great info in the dialysis speciality forum of AllNurses!

https://allnurses.com/dialysis-renal-urology/

Good luck to you!

All the best!

Diane

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

There's alot of information online about both methods of dialysis. If you do a search on "hemodialysis vs peritoneal dialysis" many site addresses will pop up. Not knowing exactly what you want, I didn't want to copy a bunch of them and thought you could look through them.

Here's one site address with basic information:

http://blog.remakehealth.com/blog_Healthcare_Consumers-0/bid/7414/What-is-a-CT-scan-with-contrast

While there are usually dialysis nurses that do dialysis for whoever needs it, that's not always the case. I worked in a large general hospital on the psych floor. We had a patient who required peritoneal dialysis for the several weeks she was with us. We did it for her, after a short training. It's not difficult, but takes time, and has to be done several times per day. I think your inservice will give you the information you need.

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Specializes in LPN.

Thanks for all the advise, I will be looking up those sites as well.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

No problem to PM me at all. I'm an advanced practice nurse who cares for dialysis pts.

Other posters have given some great resources.

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