Advanced Dialysis Nursing — GCC Clinical Guide

HD · PD · CRRT · Access Care · GCC Context

For Registered Nurses — Gulf Cooperation Council Healthcare Settings
Haemodialysis (HD) Fundamentals
HD Circuit Overview
Blood PumpPeristaltic — drives blood through circuit
Dialyser (Artificial Kidney)Semi-permeable membrane; hollow fibres
Dialysate Flow Rate500–800 mL/min (counter-current to blood)
Blood Flow Rate (Qb)200–400 mL/min
Venous Pressure MonitorDetects access stenosis or clotting
Air DetectorUltrasonic — clamps venous line if air detected
Dialysate Temp35–37°C (cool ↓ IDH risk)
Dialysis Adequacy — Kt/V
Target: Single-pool Kt/V ≥ 1.4 per session (3×/week). URR ≥ 65%.
KDialyser clearance (mL/min)
tDialysis time (minutes)
VVolume of urea distribution (body water)
URR Formula(Pre-BUN − Post-BUN) / Pre-BUN × 100
Monthly CheckBlood samples pre/post session
If Kt/V < 1.4↑ time, ↑ Qb, check access recirculation
Vascular Access Types
TypeKey Points
AVFNative fistula; gold standard. Maturation 6–8 weeks. Longest survival.
AVGSynthetic graft; usable in 2–4 weeks. Higher infection/thrombosis risk.
Tunnelled CVC / PermcathImmediate use. Highest infection risk. Last resort for long-term.
Non-tunnelled CVCShort-term/acute only. <3 weeks maximum.
AVF Assessment
  • Palpate for thrill (continuous vibration) — absent thrill = stenosis/thrombosis
  • Auscultate for bruit (machinery murmur) — harsh/discontinuous = stenosis
  • Inspect for aneurysms, skin changes, pseudoaneurysm
  • Check arm elevation test — fistula should flatten
  • Document pulse strength and augmentation test
  • Assess for steal syndrome (cold/pale/painful hand)
  • Pre-session: no BP cuff or venepuncture on fistula arm
Needling Techniques

Two main approaches for AVF cannulation:

Rope-LadderRotating sites along entire vessel — preserves vessel wall
Buttonhole (Constant-site)Same site each session — tunnel formation; lower aneurysm risk but higher infection risk
Buttonhole Scab RemovalSterile technique; soak & remove before cannulation
Area TechniqueAvoid — causes aneurysm formation
Needle Gauge15–17G standard; 14G for high Qb
Post-session CompressionManual or clip — min 5–10 min; avoid tight wrap
Dialysate Composition
ElectrolyteStandard RangeClinical Note
Sodium (Na⁺)138–145 mmol/LLow Na ↑ cramps; High Na ↑ thirst/HTN
Potassium (K⁺)2.0–3.0 mmol/LAdjust for pre-dialysis K⁺ levels
Calcium (Ca²⁺)1.25–1.5 mmol/LLow for hypercalcaemia patients
Bicarbonate32–38 mmol/LCorrects metabolic acidosis
Magnesium (Mg²⁺)0.5–0.75 mmol/LContributes to cramp prevention
Glucose5.5–11 mmol/LAvoid hypoglycaemia in diabetics
Ultrafiltration (UF) & Dry Weight
UFR Limit: ≤ 13 mL/kg/hr. Higher rates → ↑ intradialytic hypotension, cardiac stress, mortality.
UFR CalculationUF volume (mL) ÷ patient weight (kg) ÷ session hours
Dry Weight (Target Weight)Weight at which patient is euvolaemic — no oedema, no hypotension
IDWG Target< 1 kg/day; < 5% body weight between sessions
Signs Dry Weight Too LowIDH, cramps, fatigue post-session
Signs Dry Weight Too HighHypertension, oedema, SOB, pulmonary congestion
ReassessMonthly or after illness/hospitalisation
HD Intradialytic Complications
Intradialytic Hypotension (IDH) — Most Common Complication
Definition: SBP drop ≥ 20 mmHg OR MAP drop ≥ 10 mmHg with symptoms (dizziness, nausea, cramps, syncope).

Immediate Management Steps

  • Place patient supine / Trendelenburg position
  • Reduce or stop ultrafiltration immediately
  • Administer 100–200 mL normal saline bolus (or 100 mL 20% mannitol)
  • Reduce blood flow rate temporarily if haemodynamically unstable
  • Re-check BP every 5 minutes; document
  • Notify physician if BP does not recover within 10–15 min

Prevention Strategies

  • Cool dialysate (35–36°C) — isothermal/cold profiling
  • Sodium profiling during session
  • Pre-session midodrine (oral α₁-agonist)
  • Limit UFR to ≤ 13 mL/kg/hr
  • Avoid food during dialysis (splanchnic vasodilation)
  • Sequential UF profiling
  • Reassess dry weight regularly
Muscle Cramps
  • Common cause: low sodium dialysate, excessive UF, low dry weight
  • Give 100 mL hypertonic saline (3%) or 50% dextrose 50 mL
  • Reduce UF rate during cramping episode
  • Passive stretching of affected muscle
  • Quinine sulphate (specialist prescribed) for recurrent cramps
  • Review and adjust dry weight if persistent
Access Recirculation
DefinitionDialysed blood re-enters arterial needle before returning to circulation
Normal Recirculation< 5% (AVF), < 10% (AVG)
CausesStenosis, reversed needle placement, low flow
ConsequenceReduced Kt/V — inadequate dialysis
DetectionUDT method, blood temperature monitoring, BUN sampling
ActionRe-site needles; refer for fistulogram/Doppler
Air Embolism — Life-Threatening Emergency
EMERGENCY: Frothy/churning blood in venous chamber, sudden severe dyspnoea, cyanosis, chest pain, neurological changes. Potentially fatal.
  • STOP blood pump immediately
  • Clamp venous bloodline — prevent further air entry
  • Position: LEFT lateral decubitus + Trendelenburg (Durant's manoeuvre) — traps air in right ventricle apex
  • Administer 100% O₂ by non-rebreather mask
  • Call emergency — cardiac arrest team if unconscious
  • Do NOT restart dialysis
  • Hyperbaric oxygen if available and patient stable
  • Document volume of air and time of event

Prevention

  • Ensure all line connections are tight and primed
  • Check air detector alarm is functional before each session
  • Use luer-lock connections exclusively
  • Do not use air to prime bloodlines
  • Inspect for disconnections during session
Haemolysis
STOP dialysis immediately — do NOT return blood to patient.
SignsPink/cherry-red discolouration of blood in venous line; port-wine urine
SymptomsChest/back pain, dyspnoea, burning at access site, anxiety
CausesKinked/obstructed bloodlines, overheated dialysate (>42°C), hypo-osmolar dialysate, bleach contamination, chloramine contamination
ManagementClamp lines; O₂; monitor K⁺ (hyperkalaemia risk); ECG; emergency bloods; notify physician
Dialyser Reactions
TypeOnsetFeaturesManagement
Type A (Anaphylactic)First 5–30 minBronchospasm, urticaria, angioedema, hypotension, cardiac arrestStop — do NOT return blood. Adrenaline/antihistamine/steroids. Emergency call.
Type B30–60 minChest/back pain, nausea — milder. No anaphylaxis.Continue at reduced Qb; O₂; symptom relief; investigate cause.
Arrhythmias During Dialysis
  • Most common: AF, ventricular ectopics, ventricular tachycardia
  • Triggers: rapid electrolyte shifts (K⁺, Ca²⁺), cardiac disease, digoxin toxicity
  • ECG monitor in at-risk patients throughout session
  • If K⁺ pre-dialysis < 5 mmol/L — use 3 mmol/L K⁺ bath (not 2 mmol/L)
  • Check digoxin levels — dialysis alters distribution
  • Notify physician; adjust dialysate electrolytes if needed
  • Defibrillator must be available in every HD unit
Needle Dislodgement — Major Haemorrhage Risk
Critical: Venous needle dislodgement can cause death from exsanguination within minutes, especially at night or if patient unresponsive.
  • Apply firm direct pressure to access site immediately
  • Clamp venous bloodline — stop pump
  • Maintain pressure for minimum 10 minutes
  • Assess blood loss — call physician
  • Tape needles securely with non-occlusive technique
  • Use enuresis pads under fistula arm for early detection
  • Wearable access monitors (VenousBlood alert systems) recommended for overnight HD
Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)
CAPD vs APD
FeatureCAPDAPD (Nocturnal Cycler)
Full nameContinuous Ambulatory PDAutomated PD / NIPD / CCPD
Exchanges3–5 manual exchanges/dayMachine-driven; 3–5 at night
Dwell time4–6 hrs (day), 8–10 hrs (night)Short dwells overnight (1–2 hrs)
LifestyleManual; no machine needed at nightMachine at bedside; frees daytime
SuitabilityHigh/high-average transportersLow/low-average transporters
Peritonitis riskSlightly higher (more connect/disconnect)Fewer daily connections
PD Exchange Technique (Aseptic)
  • Wash hands thoroughly — 2-minute scrub before setup
  • Prepare clean work surface; mask worn by patient and nurse
  • Check bag: clarity, volume, expiry date, intact seal
  • Connect drain bag — open drain clamp; allow full drain (gravity, 20–30 min)
  • Inspect effluent: clear = normal; cloudy = peritonitis suspect
  • Connect fresh dialysate bag; warm to body temperature
  • Open fill clamp — allow infusion (gravity, 10–15 min)
  • Clamp and disconnect using aseptic technique; apply protective cap
  • Record: drain volume, fill volume, effluent appearance, UF balance
Peritonitis — Most Serious PD Complication
Key Sign: Cloudy effluent is peritonitis until proven otherwise. Cell count > 100 WBC/mm³ with > 50% neutrophils confirms diagnosis.
Classic TriadCloudy effluent + abdominal pain + fever
DiagnosisEffluent cell count, Gram stain, culture (aerobic + anaerobic)
Common OrganismsCoNS (most common), S. aureus, Gram-negative enteric, Pseudomonas, fungi
IP Antibiotics (Empiric)Vancomycin (Gram-pos) + 3rd gen cephalosporin or aminoglycoside (Gram-neg) — intraperitoneal route preferred
DurationMinimum 2 weeks; fungal peritonitis → remove catheter immediately

Nursing Actions

  • Send 10 mL effluent to microbiology — cell count, C&S
  • Administer empiric IP antibiotics per local protocol
  • Flush peritoneum with rapid exchanges if severe
  • Document all observations and report to physician/renal team
  • Patient education — review technique asepsis
  • Consider catheter removal if no improvement in 5 days
Tenckhoff Catheter & Exit Site Care
  • Exit site inspection at every exchange: redness, swelling, discharge, crust
  • Clean exit site with chlorhexidine 0.05% or mupirocin cream (if S. aureus carrier)
  • Use sterile gauze dressing — change at least weekly or if wet/soiled
  • Immerse catheter — no bathing/swimming (shower only with bag cover)
  • Secure catheter to skin to prevent trauma — directional fixation
  • Tunnel infection: erythema/induration along tunnel track — IV antibiotics; may require catheter removal
  • Report any discharge to nursing team immediately
PD Adequacy & Membrane Transport
Target: Weekly Kt/V ≥ 1.7 (combined residual renal function + peritoneal clearance)
Transport TypeD/P Creatinine RatioImplication
High> 0.81Rapid absorption of glucose → short dwells better (APD); UF failure risk
High-Average0.65–0.81Good solute clearance
Low-Average0.50–0.65Longer dwell times improve clearance
Low< 0.50Poor clearance — consider HD transfer
UF Failure & Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis
UF FailureNet UF < 400 mL with 4.25% glucose 4-hr dwell
CausesHigh transport, aquaporin-1 loss, peritonitis scarring, catheter issues
EPS (Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis)Rare but life-threatening; fibrous cocoon encases bowel
EPS Risk FactorsLong PD duration (>8 yrs), repeated peritonitis, high glucose exposure
EPS SignsBowel obstruction, recurrent UF failure, ascites post-PD cessation
ManagementTransfer to HD; tamoxifen; surgical peel in severe cases
PD in Ramadan — Key Adjustments
GCC-Specific: Many Muslim patients wish to fast during Ramadan. PD timing can often be adjusted respectfully.
  • CAPD: shift exchanges to non-fasting hours (before Fajr / after Iftar)
  • APD: programme cycler to run overnight — no daytime exchanges needed
  • Icodextrin-based bag for long daytime dwell (avoids glucose absorption during fast)
  • Monitor fluid balance carefully — reduced oral intake affects hydration
  • Document weight and blood pressure at each session
  • Consult Islamic scholar + renal team for individualised plan
  • Empower patient — inform them dialysis is a medical necessity; fatwa permits
CRRT in Critical Care
CVVH

Continuous Veno-Venous Haemofiltration

Convection only — solute drag via replacement fluid. Best for fluid/middle-molecule removal.

CVVHD

Continuous Veno-Venous Haemodialysis

Diffusion only — dialysate flow counter-current to blood. Best for small solute (urea/K⁺) clearance.

CVVHDF

Continuous Veno-Venous Haemodiafiltration

Diffusion + Convection combined. Most effective broad-spectrum clearance. Most common ICU mode.

CRRT Effluent Dose & Circuit
Target Effluent Rate: 25–30 mL/kg/hr (prescribed dose should be higher to account for downtime).
Blood Flow Rate (Qb)100–200 mL/min (lower than IHD)
Dialysate Flow (CVVHD/F)1,000–2,500 mL/hr
Replacement Fluid (CVVH/F)Pre-dilution or post-dilution delivery
Pre-dilution AdvantageExtends filter life; reduces haematocrit in filter
Post-dilution AdvantageMore efficient clearance (higher sieving coefficient)
Filter Lifespan Target≥ 24 hours; frequent clotting → review anticoagulation
Filter Clotting Signs↑ TMP (transmembrane pressure), ↓ effluent rate, dark filter appearance
Anticoagulation — Heparin vs Citrate
ParameterSystemic HeparinRegional Citrate
MechanismAnti-thrombin III activation; systemic effectChelates ionised Ca²⁺ in circuit — regional only
Target (Heparin)aPTT 45–65 sec (circuit); 45–60 sec (systemic)
Post-filter iCa0.25–0.35 mmol/L (circuit anticoagulated)
Systemic iCa1.0–1.2 mmol/L (calcium replacement infusion)
MonitoringaPTT 4–6 hourly; platelet countiCa pre/post-filter; serum total Ca/citrate ratio
ContraindicationsHIT, active bleeding, thrombocytopaeniaSevere liver failure (citrate accumulation risk)
Citrate Toxicity Signs↑ total Ca but ↓ ionised Ca; metabolic alkalosis, tetany
PreferredIf liver failure / no HIT riskFirst-line in most ICUs (KDIGO 2012)
Haemofilter Change — Nursing Procedure
  • Prepare new circuit set on CRRT machine as per manufacturer
  • Prime new circuit with 0.9% saline + heparin per protocol (2,000–5,000 U/L)
  • Obtain medical order for filter change if planned vs emergency clot
  • Stop CRRT — disconnect blood lines using ANTT
  • Assess: patient haemodynamics, current fluid balance, anticoagulation status
  • Connect new circuit; verify all connections are secure and primed
  • Restart CRRT — document time off, reason for change, effluent volumes
  • Send clotted filter for inspection if premature failure — document for audit

Reasons for Premature Filter Clotting

  • Inadequate anticoagulation dose
  • High haematocrit / haemoconcentration (post-dilution)
  • Slow blood flow rate (< 100 mL/min)
  • Line kinking or patient position
  • High plasma viscosity (hyperproteinaemia)
  • Air in circuit
  • Long machine downtime without rinseback
Drug Dosing on CRRT
Important: CRRT significantly increases clearance of water-soluble, low-protein-bound drugs. Standard dosing leads to sub-therapeutic levels.
DrugCRRT AdjustmentMonitoring
VancomycinLoading dose 25 mg/kg; then 7.5–15 mg/kg q12h (dose depends on effluent rate)Trough AUC-guided; target AUC 400–600
Meropenem1 g q8h or 2 g q8h extended infusion for resistant organismsClinical response; β-lactam TDM if available
Piperacillin-Tazobactam4.5 g q8h extended infusion (4-hr)Clinical response
LinezolidStandard 600 mg q12h — minimal CRRT removalPlatelet count (thrombocytopaenia)
Fluconazole400–800 mg q24h (highly removed by CRRT)Clinical/microbiological response
Phosphate Replacement & CRRT-to-IHD Transition
Hypophosphataemia on CRRTVery common — phosphate cleared by convection/diffusion; replacement often needed
Target Serum Phosphate0.8–1.4 mmol/L
Replacement RouteIV replacement fluid or TPN supplementation; daily monitoring

Criteria to Transition CRRT → IHD

  • Haemodynamically stable — vasopressor requirement ≤ low dose noradrenaline
  • No significant fluid overload requiring continuous UF
  • Acceptable electrolyte stability without continuous monitoring
  • Patient able to tolerate intermittent UF volumes
  • Renal function unlikely to recover (or AKI resolving → consider stopping)
Dialysis Access Care
CVC Dressing Change — ANTT Protocol
Standard: Chlorhexidine 2% in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Dressing change every 7 days maximum (or sooner if soiled/loose).
  • Don non-sterile gloves; remove old dressing; inspect exit site — redness, discharge, swelling
  • Remove non-sterile gloves; perform hand hygiene (ABHR 30 sec)
  • Don sterile gloves; establish sterile field with dressing pack
  • Clean exit site: chlorhexidine 2% / 70% IPA using friction x30 sec; allow to dry completely (30 sec)
  • Apply transparent semi-permeable dressing (e.g., Tegaderm CHG if available)
  • Secure CVC to skin — avoid tension on exit site
  • Label dressing with date, time, nurse initials
  • Document exit site condition in patient record
Heparin Lock vs Citrate Lock
Preferred: 4% Sodium Citrate (HDTL — Haemodialysis Taurolidine-Citrate Lock) — reduces catheter-related bloodstream infections vs heparin.
ParameterHeparin Lock4% Citrate Lock
Concentration5,000 U/mL or 1,000 U/mL4% sodium citrate
Infection riskHigher (promotes biofilm)Lower (antibiofilm + antimicrobial)
Bleeding riskSystemic if accidental flushMinimal systemic effect
Halal considerationPorcine-derived (see GCC tab)No animal product concern
VolumeFill dead space only (1.3–1.5 mL/lumen)Same — fill dead space only
Flush before useAspirate and discard before dialysisAspirate and discard before dialysis
tPA (Alteplase) for Blocked Catheter
Indication: Unable to aspirate from one or both lumen; blood flow < 200 mL/min during HD; thrombotic occlusion suspected.
Standard Dose2 mg in 2 mL per lumen (fill dead space — usually 1.3–1.5 mL)
Dwell Time30–60 minutes (or per unit protocol; some protocols up to 120 min)
AspirationAfter dwell: aspirate and discard tPA + clot debris (do NOT flush in)
Second DoseCan repeat once if first dose unsuccessful
Success Rate~90% restoration of catheter patency
ContraindicationsActive bleeding, recent stroke (< 3 months), neurosurgery, allergy
Access Flow & Patency Documentation
  • Document pre/mid/post blood flow rate achieved at each session
  • Record arterial and venous pressure readings — trend monitoring
  • Venous pressure > 200 mmHg at 300 mL/min Qb = suspect venous stenosis
  • Arterial pressure more negative than −200 mmHg = arterial inflow problem
  • Log access type, site, and needle gauge for each session
  • Quarterly Doppler ultrasound surveillance for AVF/AVG
  • Refer to interventional radiology if access flow < 600 mL/min (AVF) or < 800 mL/min (AVG)
AVF Steal Syndrome
DefinitionBlood diverted from distal limb to fistula → ischaemia
SymptomsCold hand, pallor, paraesthesias, pain (especially during dialysis), finger necrosis (severe)
AssessmentDigital pressure/pulse oximetry; Doppler; digital brachial index < 0.6 = significant steal
GradingI–IV (IV = tissue loss/necrosis → urgent referral)
ManagementSurgical: DRIL (distal revascularisation interval ligation), PAI (proximalisation), banding, or AVF ligation
Nursing RoleReport signs promptly; do not use fistula arm if steal grade III–IV without specialist review
TOS — Thoracic Outlet Syndrome & AVF Abandonment
TOS Relevance to DialysisCentral vein stenosis from repeated CVC use — impairs AVF maturation; arm oedema
Signs of Central StenosisArm swelling after AVF creation, facial/neck oedema, ↑ venous pressures
InvestigationFistulogram / venogram; CT venogram
AVF Abandonment IndicationsNon-maturing fistula after 3–4 months; steal causing limb threat; uncontrollable aneurysm; persistent infection
Post-AbandonmentEnsure alternative access planned before ligation; patient counselling
GCC Dialysis Context
~35%
ESKD in GCC attributed to T2DM (highest globally)
~25%
ESKD cases from hypertensive nephrosclerosis in GCC
6+
GCC nations with rapidly expanding renal replacement programmes
GCC Dialysis Regulatory Landscape
CountryRegulatorKey Notes
DubaiDHA (Dubai Health Authority)DHA-licensed dialysis centres; nurse registration required
Abu DhabiDOH (formerly HAAD)Thiqa insurance covers dialysis; DOH standards enforced
Saudi ArabiaMOH / CBAHI accreditationLargest GCC ESKD burden; national kidney programme (SCOT)
QatarMOPH / JHCMQ accreditationHamad Medical Corporation runs main renal services
KuwaitMOH KuwaitSignificant expatriate dialysis population
BahrainNHRASmall programme; some patients travel regionally
OmanMOH OmanNational Renal Care Programme; expanding peritoneal dialysis
Renal Transplant vs Long-Term Dialysis
Clinical Preference: Transplant offers better survival and QoL, but living donor rates vary across GCC due to cultural and religious considerations.
  • KSA operates largest deceased donor programme in the Arab world (SCOT)
  • UAE, Qatar: growing deceased donor programmes through hospital-based coordinators
  • Cultural hesitancy around brain death declaration remains a barrier in some communities
  • Islamic Fiqh Academy permits organ donation (1988 resolution) — fatwa available
  • Many GCC patients opt for long-term HD due to limited donor availability
  • Pre-dialysis education on transplant listing should be part of CKD stage 4 nursing care plan
Ramadan Fasting on Dialysis
GCC Nursing Consideration: Large proportion of dialysis patients are Muslim. Individualised planning around Ramadan is essential and respectful.
Main Risk (HD)Extended fasting → fluid restriction challenge → excessive IDWG between sessions
Scheduling StrategySchedule 3× weekly HD sessions around Iftar (evening) or Suhoor (pre-dawn) hours
Iftar-Time HDStart after Iftar meal — patient hydrated; minimises UF demand mid-fast
Dietary CounsellingAvoid high-K⁺ fruits at Iftar (dates = moderate K⁺, but large volumes problematic)
PD in RamadanExchanges shifted to night time; APD ideal (see PD tab)
Islamic RulingMajority of scholars: dialysis breaks fast → patient exempted. Compensation via fidya (feeding the poor).
Nursing RoleNon-judgmental; provide options; involve patient in decision; document plan
Water Quality Standards in GCC Dialysis Units
Critical: GCC has high TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) in source water. Robust water treatment is mandatory for safe dialysis.
  • Reverse Osmosis (RO) is mandatory — dual-pass RO systems in many GCC units
  • High ambient temperatures → bacterial growth in water loops — ↑ endotoxin risk
  • AAMI/ISO standards: bacteria < 100 CFU/mL; endotoxins < 0.25 EU/mL (ultrapure: < 0.001 EU/mL)
  • Monthly bacteriological sampling + quarterly endotoxin testing mandatory
  • Carbon filters: change regularly (chloramine removal)
  • Water loop heat or chemical disinfection per protocol
  • Nursing role: report discoloured water; record water treatment alarms; do not start dialysis if water fails QC
Halal Anticoagulation — Heparin
Islamic Ruling: Porcine (pig-derived) heparin is generally permitted under the principle of darurah (necessity) when no suitable halal alternative exists.
  • Standard unfractionated heparin (UFH) is predominantly porcine-derived
  • Bovine heparin: available as an alternative but less common commercially
  • Enoxaparin (LMWH): also porcine-derived; same ruling applies
  • Citrate anticoagulation for CRRT: no animal product — halal by default
  • Argatroban / Bivalirudin (synthetic): fully halal; used for HIT patients
  • Patient communication: explain necessity and the Islamic principle of necessity
  • Document patient informed consent regarding anticoagulant choice
Arabic Patient Education — Fluid & Diet
Communication: Use validated Arabic educational materials and involve family in education sessions where culturally appropriate.
TopicKey Message (Arabic Cultural Context)
Fluid restriction500 mL/day + residual urine output. Explain consequences of weight gain — heart failure, difficult dialysis. Use visual tools (marked cups).
PotassiumAvoid: dates (large quantities), dried fruits, nuts, tomato, potato. Boil vegetables in excess water — discards potassium.
PhosphateLimit dairy, cola drinks, processed foods, seeds. Phosphate binders must be taken with meals — not after.
Salt restrictionReduces thirst → easier fluid control. Arabic cooking can be high in salt — practical recipe adaptations.
RamadanDiscuss modified dietary plan; manage expectations; celebrate patient's faith while protecting health.
Missed sessionsEach missed session increases risk of life-threatening hyperkalaemia; use empathetic language, not threats.

Dialysis Session Monitoring Tracker

Pre-Session Assessment

Mid-Session Check

Post-Session