Question

A client has end-stage kidney disease and is receiving hemodialysis. during dialysis the client reports nausea and a headache and appears confused. operating on prescribed protocols, which action will the nurse take?

Answer 1

Decrease the rate of exchange.  Signs and symptoms of disequilibrium syndrome, which results from rapid changes in composition of the extracellular fluid and cerebral edema; the exchange rate should be decreased. Although increasing the rate of infusion may relieve the headache, it will not relieve the other adaptations or the cause of disequilibrium syndrome. Although administering an antiemetic may relieve the nausea, it will not relieve the other adaptations or the cause of disequilibrium syndrome. Discontinuing the procedure is unnecessary; reducing the rate of exchange should reduce the adaptations of disequilibrium syndrome.