Meds before dialysis?

GeminiTwinRN, BSN · Jan 24, 2008

If I ever have a question about meds, I call the HD unit and ask them. I understand you may not have had enough notice about the pt going to dialysis at all that day, so it may not have been an option.

That said, if my pt. has a HR of 60, I always hold the lopressor anyway. This would go double depending on the BP, and whether or not the pt was fluid overloaded or not. A lot of factors go into whether or not to give the meds, dialysis notwithstanding.

If you think you'll have this pt again, I'd call the HD unit and ask them a "for future reference" type question. You may get them to give you a pamphlet on dialyzed meds. I'm sure there's online info as well.

HTH! :)

BillieRN · Jan 24, 2008

We will occasionally have the dialysis team come up to the floor to do dialysis for a patient who is on isolation. The dialysis nurse has a book on the cart with meds that are flushed out of the system with dialysis and which ones are not. They are always more than willing to help you out. The doctors who write dialysis orders usually tell us to give certain drugs after dialysis. That said, I would advise calling the dialysis unit and asking them if the specifics drugs you need to give are flushed.

Billie

twarlik · Jan 24, 2008

I don't think you did anything wrong. Generally, we always hold medications prior to dialysis unless the MD states otherwise. This is especially true for blood pressure medications.

I agree with the one poster who suggested calling the dialysis nurse for advice on what medications should be given/held. They are usually the experts in that area.