Which fluids are considered when calculating the total fluid to be removed in a dialysis session?

• A. Priming saline
• B. Rinseback
• C. Medications fluid
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

When determining how much fluid to remove in a dialysis session, you account for every fluid the patient will gain or retain during treatment, so you end at the intended dry weight. Priming saline adds volume to the circuit before treatment begins and becomes part of the patient’s intravascular fluid unless it’s removed. Rinseback fluid is used to return the patient’s blood at the end and often includes saline; that volume is also part of what must be ultrafiltered away to reach the target weight. Medications given during dialysis may be administered with IV fluids, which add to the patient’s fluid intake for that session. Because all of these fluids contribute to the total body fluid, they’re included in the calculation.