DaVita Patient Care Technician (PCT) Practice Exam

Hypotension is a common complication that can occur during hemodialysis due to the rapid removal of fluid from the bloodstream. During the treatment, patients often experience shifts in body fluids, which can lead to a decrease in blood volume and, consequently, a drop in blood pressure.

This is particularly relevant because hemodialysis involves the use of a dialyzer to filter waste products from the blood, and this process sometimes removes too much fluid too quickly. Factors that can contribute to hypotension during dialysis include high ultrafiltration goals, changes in body position, or even the removal of certain medications that influence blood pressure.

Managing blood pressure during hemodialysis is crucial, as significant drops can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or even more severe complications. Careful monitoring of fluid removal rates and patient feedback can help minimize the risk of hypotension during treatment.