What can be a serious consequence of poor vascular access in hemodialysis?

A serious consequence of poor vascular access in hemodialysis is infection at the access site. When vascular access is compromised, whether due to inadequate technique during catheter placement or through repeated use of the same access point, the risk of introducing bacteria increases significantly. This can lead to local infections, which may progress to systemic infections like sepsis if not addressed appropriately.

Infection at the access site can complicate treatment by necessitating temporary cessation of dialysis while the infection is treated. This not only affects the patient's health but also their overall treatment plan and outcomes. Effective vascular access is crucial for the delivery of dialysis, and the integrity of this access directly impacts the safety and efficacy of the treatment.

Other options might involve complications that can arise from vascular access issues, but the immediate and serious risk of infection stands out as a critical concern that can have widespread health implications.