520
Detailed Needs and Requirements: Hemodialysis Unit
In addition to treatment facilities, allowance may be made for training
of patients and their families in the use and care of home dialysis
equipment.
529.1.4
Primary Users
1. Patients
The patients treated in the hemodialysis unit fall into three general
categories:
a. Patients with chronic, irreversible renal insufficiency. These
patients will require hemodialysis treatment approximately twice a
week for the rest of their lives. They currently have to come to the
hospital for treatment; however, many may be candidates for home
dialysis programs if these are instituted.
These patients are generally ambulant, conscious, and
comparatively well. Some patients remain in bed during treatment;
however, this is not required for all. Many may be more
comfortable during dialysis if they can sit in suitable "lounge" chairs.
While receiving treatment the patients may read, watch television,
converse, write, sleep, or engage in any number of activities, which
do not require movement out of bed or away from the dialyzer and
control equipment. It may be desirable to treat most of these
patients in one space to allow patient socializing and simplify nurse
observation.
Staph infections of implanted shunts are fairly common among
these patients. Precautions should be taken to avoid the spread of
such infections.
Many patients will be apprehensive about their general health,
family responsibilities, work, etc., and may need to discuss
concerns of this nature privately with interested and qualified
personnel.
b. Chronic patients with temporary renal insufficiency due to disease
or trauma. These patients may require hemodialysis for a period of
days or weeks until their kidneys are sufficiently recovered to
function effectively without assistance.
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