Paediatric Nursing (PAED)
HEMODIALYSIS IN A CHILD
Extracorporeal removal of waste products and excess fluid using a dialysis machine.
Purpose
- Remove toxins
- Correct electrolytes
- Manage fluid balance
- Support renal function
Indications
- End-stage renal disease
- Acute kidney injury
- Poisoning
- Severe fluid overload
Equipment
- Hemodialysis machine
- Dialyzer
- Vascular access
- Dialysate
- Anticoagulant
- Monitoring equipment
- Emergency supplies
Preparation
- Explain procedure
- Assess access
- Calculate dry weight
- Prepare medications
Procedure steps
- Verify order
- Assess vascular access
- Prime circuit
- Connect patient
- Set parameters
- Monitor during treatment
- Disconnect safely
- Document treatment
Precautions
- Monitor anticoagulation
- Watch for hypotension
- Prevent air embolism
- Maintain sterility
Aftercare
- Monitor vital signs
- Assess access site
- Check lab values
- Document outcome
Nursing considerations
- Adapt for pediatric sizes
- Monitor growth/nutrition
- Support psychosocial needs
Patient education
- Explain dialysis process
- Discuss vascular access care
- Teach diet/fluid management
Documentation
- Treatment duration
- Volumes removed
- Complications
- Patient tolerance
References and further reading
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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