NURSING CARE FOR HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS, AIMING FOR A LOW RATE OF COMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Introduction: Hemodialysis is an important procedure for patients with renal failure, but it can also present challenges and potential complications. It is crucial that nurses who deal with hemodialysis patients are well-prepared to recognize and intervene in complications; adequate education and training is essential to ensure the well-being of patients during the procedure. Close monitoring and attention to signs of complications are essential for the safety and effectiveness of hemodialysis. In this article, we address nursing care for hemodialysis patients, aiming at a low rate of complications. Objective: To describe the main nursing care for patients undergoing renal replacement therapy, in the hemodialysis modality. Methodology: To carry out this integrative review with a qualitative approach, data were collected from virtual databases, such as the Virtual Health Library (BVS), using the Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Nursing Database (BDENF) and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) databases. Results: The results indicated that the most frequent complications are: hypotension, hypertension, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, headache, chest and back pain, pruritus, fever and chills, diarrhea, allergic reactions, cardiac arrhythmia, gas embolism, gastrointestinal bleeding, metabolic problems, seizures, muscle spasms, insomnia, restlessness, dementia, infections, pneumothorax or hemothorax, ischemia or edema in the hand and anemia. Conclusion: It was concluded that the role of the nurse is essential in monitoring, detecting and intervening in these complications, which contributes to the safety and quality of the hemodialysis procedure. However, it is necessary to carry out actions in the nursing area to better define the role of the nurse in this context. It is essential that nurses are updated on the most frequent complications and their interventions in order to provide quality care to patients undergoing hemodialysis.