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- Apr 22, 2007
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Alright boys and girls here is where I share some information that some of you will find heretical: When I have a stable renal failure patient for an AV Fistula I don't check a K+.
That's right, if the patient had dialysis the day before or the day of surgery I don't check the K+. I've been doing that for the past ten years and so far no issues whatsoever.
But, if the patient is farther out that 24-30 hours from his/her last dialysis I usually check a K+. This may be overkill but I feel better doing it. That said, I've seen K+ of 6.1 but still done the case. The chance of cancelling a case is small.
For example, if the patient is having Surgery Thursday afternoon and his last dialysis was Wednesday I don't bother with a new K+. But, if his dialysis was Tuesday and he is due for dialysis today (but not yet done) I usually check a K+. Again, these K+ can be high but I rarely cancel any of these cases.
That's right, if the patient had dialysis the day before or the day of surgery I don't check the K+. I've been doing that for the past ten years and so far no issues whatsoever.
But, if the patient is farther out that 24-30 hours from his/her last dialysis I usually check a K+. This may be overkill but I feel better doing it. That said, I've seen K+ of 6.1 but still done the case. The chance of cancelling a case is small.
For example, if the patient is having Surgery Thursday afternoon and his last dialysis was Wednesday I don't bother with a new K+. But, if his dialysis was Tuesday and he is due for dialysis today (but not yet done) I usually check a K+. Again, these K+ can be high but I rarely cancel any of these cases.