Patient was educated on hemodialysis as follows: Hemodialysisis a procedure of cleaning the blood of fluid, salts, and other waste products, such as urea and uric acid, in patients with renal failure. Hemodialysis involves accessing the shunt or the fistula site with a needle, getting the blood out of the body and having it pass through an apparatus called dialyzer, which functions as an artificial kidney. Dialyzer has two compartments in it, separated by a [...]

Patient was educated on phosphate binders drugs as follows: In patients with poor renal function and renal failure, too much phosphorus in the diet can lead to phosphate built up in the body, as the kidneys are not functioning good enough to eliminated the excess phosphorus. Increased phosphorus in the blood can lead to reduced calcium absorption and weaken bones, resulting in pathological fractures. So, a diet low in phosphorus is recommended for people with [...]

Patient was educated on dry weight in dialysis patients as follows: Dry weight in dialysis patients is the weight the physician is targeting for the patient, after the dialysis procedure is complete. This is the weight of a patient with all the excess fluid built between the dialysis procedures, removed from the body. This dry weight is determined by the physician and depends on several factors, such as, the normal blood pressure and the functional [...]

Patient was educated on peritoneal dialysis as follows: Peritoneal dialysisis a procedure of cleaning the blood of fluid, salts, and other waste products, such as urea and uric acid, in patients with renal failure. Initially, this procedure includes a surgery to place a soft plastic tube or catheter in the abdomen. Sterile dialysis fluid called dialysate is introduced into the abdominal cavity through the catheter. This procedure uses peritoneum, a natural membrane lining the abdomen [...]

Patient was instructed on AV fistula or shunt as follows: Hemodialysis requires a bigger site than a normal vein for an easy access and good blood flow. AV fistula or shunt is a connection that is established surgically between an artery and a vein in the arm, in patients who are in renal failure and will continue dialysis for long term. Veins have less pressure and are more elastic and easily distensible than arteries. When [...]