What vital sign is crucial to monitor during hemodialysis?

Monitoring blood pressure during hemodialysis is crucial for several reasons. During the procedure, patients undergo a process that involves the removal of excess fluids from the blood, which can significantly impact cardiovascular status. Changes in fluid volume can lead to hypotension, especially as blood is filtered and excess fluid is removed. Low blood pressure during dialysis can cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and even fainting, which may necessitate adjustment of the treatment or fluid replacement.

Additionally, blood pressure measurements help gauge how well the dialysis is managing the patient's fluid status and can signal if there are potential complications. For patients with chronic kidney disease, maintaining stable blood pressure is vital to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Therefore, vigilant monitoring of blood pressure is an essential part of ensuring patient safety and effectiveness of the hemodialysis treatment.