Course Summary

Hemodialysis is a lifesaving treatment among patients with reduced kidney function who have not responded to conservative forms of therapy. Most people who have hemodialysis require it to avoid symptoms from the buildup of waste products and toxins in the bloodstream that are normally excreted by the kidneys. Optimal dialysis continues to be an area of research in the treatment of end-stage renal disease. The duration and frequency of hemodialysis have been the goal of research groups focused on treatment outcomes, including morbidity and mortality of hemodialysis patients. Alternative dialysis treatment options relative to quality of life, cost-saving or cost-neutral benefits, and the impact of chronic kidney disease treatment upon the health system, patients, and their families have been studied. While a kidney transplant remains the optimal treatment for end-stage renal disease, dialysis will likely be needed as all options for treatment are considered.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
• Renal Disease and Replacement Therapy
  • Diagnostic Biomarkers
  • Acute Renal Failure and Chronic Kidney Disease
  • Case Study: Lithium Use in a Female with CKD
• Hemodialysis
  • Vascular Access Devices
  • Hemodialysis Catheter
  • Arteriovenous Fistula Procedure
  • Arteriovenous Graft Procedure
  • Vascular Access Selection
  • Dialysate
  • Dialysis Machine
• Process of Hemodialysis
  • Dialysis Duration and Frequency
  • Home Hemodialysis
  • Nocturnal Hemodialysis
• Hemodialysis Complications
  • Hypotension
  • Chest Pain
  • Dialysis Disequilibrium
  • Hemolysis
• Vascular Access Device Complications
  • Venous Needle Dislodgement
  • Infection
• Role of the Interdisciplinary Health Team
• Case Study: End-stage Renal Dialysis and Rural Health
  • Discussion
•  Summary

Author