Description

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Goal: To provide an overview of hemodialysis catheters and KDOQI guidelines for their use in patient care.

Objectives:

1. Explain the four steps in the management of hemodialysis catheters as outlined by KDOQI.
2. Discuss how use of a hemodialysis catheter affects dialysis adequacy.
3. Describe the three factors recognized to provide better dialysis delivery.

Acknowledgments: The authors wish to thank Barbara Purdon, BScN, RN, MBA, Senior MSL Metabolism, Genentech, for her knowledge and expertise in conjunction with the writing of this article.

Statements of Disclosure: Paula Dutka disclosed that she is a consultant and research coordinator, is on the speakers' bureau, and has sat on the advisory board for Genentech.

Helen Brickel reported no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this continuing nursing education article.