Word parts
What it means
A way to do some of the kidneys' work. In hemodialysis, blood flows out through a special access (often a fistula in the arm), through a machine that filters it and back in, usually three times a week. In peritoneal dialysis, fluid is run into the belly through a catheter, left to draw out wastes and then drained, often at home. It is used for kidney failure, including the late stage of chronic kidney diseaseKRON-ik KID-nee dih-ZEEZKidney damage or reduced kidney function that lasts longer than three months.Full entry .
For the nurse
Weigh the client and check vital signs before and after hemodialysis. Check the fistula every shift: feel for a thrill (vibration) and listen for a bruit (whooshing). Never take blood pressure, draw blood or start an IV in the arm with the fistula.
In a chart
"Left forearm AV fistula with palpable thrill and audible bruit; dialysis Mon/Wed/Fri."
At a glance
| Spanish | diálisis |
|---|---|
| Also written | hemodialysis |
Related terms
chronic kidney disease
Kidney damage or reduced kidney function that lasts longer than three months.
renal
Relating to the kidneys.
creatinine
A waste product of muscle that the kidneys remove from the blood; its blood level is used to measure how well the kidneys work.
blood urea nitrogen
A blood test that measures urea nitrogen, a waste product made when the body breaks down protein.