KNOWLEDGE LEVELS OF HEMODIALYSIS NURSES AND TECHNICIANS CONCERNING INTRADIALYTIC HYPOTENSION

Background
Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a common complication of hemodialysis. The knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals are essential for them to perform the intervention correctly.

Material and methods
This study was designed as a descriptive and cross-sectional study to evaluate the knowledge levels of hemodialysis professionals concerning IDH. It was conducted with nurses and technicians (n=80) in five dialysis centers in Istanbul between March 2023 and March 2024. Data was collected face-to-face.

Results
In the study, 95% of the participants stated that using low sodium and high calcium dialysate causes IDH, and 97.5% thought that the temperature of the dialysis solution should be adjusted to 35.5-36°C in patients at risk of IDH. 95% of the participants argued that the amount of ultrafiltration causes IDH when it falls below the target weight. In cases where IDH developed, 90% of the individuals participating in the study placed the patient in the Trendelenburg position, 92.5% emphasized that the patient should be given fluid support, 67.5% stated that oxygen support should be given, and 97.5% pointed out that ultrafiltration should be turned off.

Conclusions
This study showed that the correct answers given by hemodialysis nurses and technicians to questions about IDH were high.