If a patient complains of extreme thirst during dialysis, what could this indicate?

Extreme thirst during dialysis is often associated with poor fluid management. This symptom can arise when the patient has received more fluid than their body can handle or when the fluid removal goal does not align with their actual fluid intake. Effective fluid management is crucial in dialysis treatment, as patients are typically on a restricted fluid intake due to their kidney condition. If more fluid is retained than intended, this can lead to feelings of extreme thirst as the body signals the need to balance its fluid levels.

When evaluating the other options, electrolyte imbalance can lead to various symptoms, but it is less directly linked to the specific complaint of thirst. Possible infection can present with other signs such as fever or localized pain but is not typically associated with extreme thirst. Hypotension, often a result of excessive fluid removal during dialysis, may cause dizziness or weakness but would not directly cause the sensation of extreme thirst. Thus, poor fluid management is the most relevant explanation for a patient experiencing extreme thirst during dialysis.