need information about patients

[momandstudent]

I just did an observation in our local hemodialysis unit. Just to let you know-you guys rock!!! It was such an inspiring environment after being in the LTC and Med-Surg unit. I loved every bit of it. Especially the relationship between the nurse(s) and patient(s). I have to answer a few questions about my experience but I am having trouble with one of them. It is: What do patients need to modify after starting on chronic dialysis? I know they need to modify their diet by watching their fluid and caloric intake and they also have to have a low-potassium diet. What else am I missing? I have researched my textbooks (of course you can't find any info regarding educating the patient in them) and the internet. I just don't know what else needs to done. Thank you for any input.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

They have to change their lifestyle to accomodate dialysis 3 times a week for 4 hours per week.

They have to be very careful of their access and not lay on it so their sleeping habit might need to be changed.

They have to be more in tune with their body as sepsis is an ever-present danger.

They have to be willing and able to keep their med regimes up - taking binders at every meal and snack for instance.

Good luck.