Chapter 8 Water treatment Water is a complex and incompletely understood chemical compound. The purest form of water is freshly formed rain as it leaves the cloud. It is also…

Chapter 20 Transplantation Nephrology nurses who primarily care for patients undergoing dialysis treatment have several roles involving transplantation. They educate and counsel patients regarding the option of transplantation, and they…

Chapter 13 Patient and machine monitoring and assessment Initial and ongoing assessment of the patient and continuous monitoring of dialysis equipment are among the most vital functions of dialysis personnel….

Chapter 24 Management of quality in dialysis care Like all healthcare, dialysis programs are undergoing a revolution in accountability. The government, accrediting and regulatory agencies, payers, and patients are holding…

Chapter 14 Nutrition management Nutrition plays a critical role in the management of renal disease. The diet will vary considerably depending on the type and stage of renal disease as…

Chapter 4 Renal physiology and the pathology of renal failure Before any discussion of the pathology of renal failure can begin, it is important to review the following functions that…

Chapter 7 Principles of hemodialysis Historical background Thomas Graham, a London chemist, reported the principles of the semipermeable membrane in 1861 and gave the process of selective diffusion the name…

Chapter 16 Diabetes and hemodialysis More than 23.6 million people, or 7.8% of the population, in the U.S. have diabetes (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, 2007). Diabetes mellitus continues to be…

Chapter 10 Infection control Infection control is used in the dialysis setting to prevent patients and staff from acquiring infections specific to the dialysis unit. Infection control incorporates policies and…