Patient and Family Education Flashcards

Which sign or symptom should a patient be taught to report immediately to their dialysis care team?

Answer: Rapid weight gain of 3 or more pounds overnight

Rapid weight gain (3+ lbs overnight) indicates significant fluid retention and potential fluid overload, which requires prompt medical evaluation.

When teaching a patient about medications, why should ESRD patients avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen?

Answer: They can further reduce residual kidney function

NSAIDs reduce renal blood flow and can eliminate any remaining residual kidney function in ESRD patients.

A patient wants to travel internationally. What education should the dialysis technician provide?

Answer: Arrange dialysis treatments at a certified center at the destination before traveling

Patients must arrange dialysis treatments at a licensed center at their destination before traveling, as treatments cannot be safely skipped.

What is the best way to explain the concept of dry weight to a new dialysis patient?

Answer: The target weight after all excess fluid is removed during dialysis

Dry weight is the target post-dialysis weight representing the patient's ideal fluid balance with all excess fluid removed.

Which of the following is an important teaching point about exercising with an AVF or AVG?

Answer: Light to moderate exercise is encouraged but avoid contact sports

Light to moderate exercise including the access arm is generally encouraged, but contact sports that could traumatize the access site should be avoided.

Why is it important to teach dialysis patients about medication timing relative to their dialysis sessions?

Answer: Some medications are dialyzable and may need dose adjustments or post-dialysis dosing

Some medications are removed by dialysis membranes and may require supplemental dosing after treatment or adjusted timing to maintain therapeutic levels.