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

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

Answer: (B)

When the extracorporeal circuit clots and blood is discarded, the patient can lose circulating blood volume and red cells with the clot. The most direct way to detect this acute blood loss is by monitoring the patient’s hemoglobin, which reflects the amount of circulating red blood cells. A drop in hemoglobin signals that blood has been lost into the circuit and helps guide urgent assessment of anticoagulation, circuit management, and potential need for intervention.

Sodium, potassium, and glucose are important for overall dialysis management, but they do not specifically indicate acute blood loss from the circuit.