Q1. A patient diagnosed with chronic kidney disease is about to begin hemodialysis therapy. The patient asks the nurse about the frequency and scheduling of hemodialysis treatments. What information would the nurse supply to the patient regarding the typical hemodialysis schedule?
- It is 3 to 4 hours of treatment 3 days per week
- It is 2 to 3 hours of treatment 5 days per week
- It is 5 hours of treatment 2 days per week
- It is 2 hours of treatment 6 days per week
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. It is 3 to 4 hours of treatment 3 days per week
The typical schedule for hemodialysis is 3 to 4 hours of treatment 3 days per week. Individual adjustments may be made according to certain variables, such as the size of the patient, the type of dialyzer, the rate of blood flow, and personal patient preferences. Priority Nursing Tip: Monitor the patient's vital signs before, during, and after dialysis. The patient's temperature may elevate because of slight warming of the blood from the dialysis machine. However, the doctor should be notified if temperature elevations are excessive because this could indicate sepsis.