Dialysis for Nurses Course

Lesson 1 • Indications and Contraindications for Dialysis

Defines clinical thresholds—AEIOU mnemonic—that trigger dialysis initiation and identifies situations requiring caution. Connects assessment findings to treatment decisions.

Lesson 2 • Chronic Kidney Disease Progression

Traces CKD from stage 1 through stage 5, highlighting GFR decline and uremic complications. Prepares nurses to anticipate dialysis initiation timing.

Lesson 3 • Renal Anatomy and Physiology Review

Covers nephron structure, glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and hormonal roles. Establishes the physiological baseline needed to understand dialysis mechanisms.

Lesson 4 • Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Imbalances

Focuses on hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, hyperphosphatemia, and fluid overload common in renal failure. Nurses learn to prioritize and interpret lab values driving dialysis decisions.

Lesson 1 • Dialysate Composition and Function

Details the role of each dialysate component—bicarbonate, potassium, calcium, glucose—in correcting imbalances. Connects composition choices to individualized patient prescriptions.

Lesson 2 • Dialyzer Membranes and Biocompatibility

Compares low-flux and high-flux membranes, synthetic versus cellulosic materials, and biocompatibility effects. Guides nurses in understanding dialyzer selection rationale.

Lesson 3 • Adequacy of Dialysis

Introduces Kt/V and URR as measures of dialysis dose and outcome quality. Nurses learn to interpret adequacy reports and escalate when targets are not met.

Lesson 4 • Ultrafiltration and Fluid Removal

Explains transmembrane pressure, ultrafiltration rate, and dry weight targets. Nurses learn to calculate and adjust fluid removal to prevent hemodynamic instability.

Lesson 1 • Prescription Parameters and Machine Programming

Translates physician orders into machine settings: blood flow rate, dialysate flow, treatment time, and UF goal. Accurate programming is the final safety check before needle insertion.

Lesson 2 • Anticoagulation in Hemodialysis

Explains heparin protocols, low-molecular-weight heparin, and heparin-free options for high-bleeding-risk patients. Nurses learn to monitor and adjust anticoagulation during treatment.

Lesson 3 • Hemodialysis Machine Components

Identifies blood pump, pressure monitors, air detector, and conductivity sensors on the HD machine. Nurses learn each component's safety role in the extracorporeal circuit.

Lesson 4 • Extracorporeal Circuit Assembly

Guides step-by-step priming of blood lines, dialyzer, and saline flush procedures. Correct assembly prevents air embolism and clotting during treatment.

Lesson 1 • Access Complications and Interventions

Identifies and manages bleeding, aneurysm, steal syndrome, and infection at the access site. Timely nursing intervention prevents access loss and systemic complications.

Lesson 2 • Types of Vascular Access

Compares arteriovenous fistulas, grafts, and tunneled central venous catheters by longevity, infection risk, and flow adequacy. Establishes the clinical hierarchy of access preference.

Lesson 3 • Central Venous Catheter Care

Details aseptic dressing changes, hub disinfection, and catheter locking protocols to prevent bloodstream infections. Nurses apply bundle care practices at every access interaction.

Lesson 4 • Cannulation Techniques

Covers rope-ladder, area, and buttonhole cannulation methods with correct needle angle and rotation. Proper technique preserves access longevity and minimizes patient discomfort.

Lesson 1 • Post-Treatment Documentation and Handoff

Structures accurate treatment records including UF achieved, access findings, and patient response. Complete documentation supports continuity of care and regulatory compliance.

Lesson 2 • Intradialytic Monitoring and Interventions

Defines monitoring frequency for vital signs, pressures, and patient symptoms throughout the session. Nurses respond to alarms and clinical changes using structured protocols.

Lesson 3 • Pre-Treatment Patient Assessment

Establishes baseline vital signs, weight, access status, and symptom review before initiating treatment. Accurate pre-treatment data drives safe prescription execution.

Lesson 4 • Initiating the Hemodialysis Session

Covers needle insertion or catheter connection, blood line attachment, and gradual blood flow ramp-up. Safe initiation prevents air embolism, hypotension, and circuit clotting.

Lesson 1 • Peritoneal Membrane and Transport

Explains how the peritoneal membrane acts as a dialyzing surface using diffusion and osmosis. Transport type classification guides dwell time and dialysate glucose selection.

Lesson 2 • Peritonitis: Recognition and Management

Identifies cloudy effluent, abdominal pain, and fever as peritonitis indicators requiring immediate culture and antibiotics. Early recognition prevents catheter loss and hospitalization.

Lesson 3 • PD Adequacy and Prescription Adjustment

Uses weekly Kt/V and creatinine clearance targets to evaluate PD dose and guide prescription changes. Nurses support adequacy monitoring and patient adherence to exchange schedules.

Lesson 4 • Manual and Automated PD Exchange Procedures

Details CAPD manual exchange steps and APD cycler programming for overnight therapy. Aseptic technique at every connection point prevents life-threatening peritonitis.

Lesson 1 • CRRT Modalities and Indications

Distinguishes CVVH, CVVHD, CVVHDF, and SCUF by mechanism and clinical indication. Modality selection is matched to patient hemodynamics and solute clearance goals.

Lesson 2 • Troubleshooting CRRT Alarms and Downtime

Addresses high-pressure alarms, filter clotting, access dysfunction, and unplanned circuit downtime. Minimizing downtime preserves therapy dose and patient outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Fluid Balance Management in CRRT

Calculates net fluid removal goals, replacement fluid rates, and hourly balance targets in critically ill patients. Precise fluid management prevents hemodynamic compromise and organ injury.

Lesson 4 • CRRT Circuit Setup and Priming

Guides filter selection, blood line assembly, and priming with saline or blood products for high-risk patients. Correct setup prevents early clotting and air entrainment.

Lesson 1 • Chronic Complications of Dialysis

Examines renal osteodystrophy, cardiovascular disease, malnutrition, and dialysis-related amyloidosis as long-term risks. Nurses monitor lab trends and reinforce preventive interventions.

Lesson 2 • Acute Intradialytic Complications

Covers hypotension, cramping, disequilibrium syndrome, air embolism, and hemolysis with prevention and response protocols. Rapid recognition and intervention prevent patient harm.

Lesson 3 • Medication Management in Dialysis Patients

Addresses dialyzability of drugs, timing of administration relative to treatment, and dose adjustment for renal failure. Nurses prevent subtherapeutic levels and toxicity through informed scheduling.

Lesson 4 • Infection Prevention and Control

Applies standard and transmission-based precautions, hand hygiene, and isolation protocols specific to dialysis units. Infection prevention bundles reduce catheter and access-related bloodstream infections.