The decision to begin dialysis treatment is one that must be reserved for the patient and their physician. There are many factors that must be taken into consideration when evaluating the need for renal replacement and the initiation of treatment is not always based on standard textbook indications for dialysis. Similar to other areas of healthcare, positive patient care outcomes are usually dependent on an accurate medical diagnosis in conjunction with the patient’s approval of a treatment plan.
In general, individuals begin to develop the need for dialysis when their kidney function drops below 10 to 15 percent of normal. At this point, patients commonly start to experience adverse physical reactions that result from the buildup of excess water and waste. Some common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, swelling of the feet, and fatigue. While these symptoms are indicative of the need for treatment, many dialysis patients require therapy long before they develop any of these uncomfortable reactions. Individuals who are at risk of acute or chronic kidney disease need to engage in regular communication with their physician so that adverse health effects can be minimized. …Click Here to Continue Reading