When the extracorporeal circuit clots and must be discarded, which patient parameter should be monitored?

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. Sodium
• C. Potassium
• D. Glucose

Answer: (A)

When the extracorporeal circuit clots and must be discarded, the immediate concern is loss of blood from the patient, which can reduce red cell mass. Hemoglobin is the best parameter to monitor because it reflects the amount of circulating red blood cells and the patient’s oxygen-carrying capacity. If a circuit discard leads to noticeable blood loss, hemoglobin levels may drop, signaling possible anemia or the need for intervention (such as adjusting anticoagulation or addressing blood loss).

Sodium, potassium, and glucose are important for maintaining electrolyte and metabolic balance during dialysis, but they don’t directly indicate acute blood loss from a discarded circuit.