What is an important nursing intervention before sending a patient to dialysis?

Performing a thorough assessment of vital signs is crucial before sending a patient to dialysis. This intervention helps ensure that the patient is stable enough to undergo the procedure. Vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate can indicate the patient’s current health status and readiness for dialysis. Any significant deviations from normal ranges can prompt additional assessment or intervention prior to the treatment, thereby ensuring patient safety.

While monitoring medications, fluid intake, and weight are important in the broader context of patient care, they do not provide the immediate and critical information that a vital signs assessment does. Establishing a baseline through a thorough assessment allows healthcare providers to identify any acute issues and respond appropriately before starting the dialysis process.