What is an indicator of possible infiltration during dialysis?

Pain at the access site during dialysis is a significant indicator of possible infiltration. Infiltration occurs when the dialysis needle inadvertently goes outside the blood vessel and fluid begins to accumulate in the surrounding tissue. This can happen due to various reasons, such as improper needle placement or patient movement. When infiltration occurs, patients often experience discomfort or pain at the access site, signaling that something is amiss with the dialysis procedure.

In addition, while low blood pressure, clear hydrostatic pressure levels, and decreased urine output may be associated with other complications during dialysis, they are not direct indicators of infiltration. Low blood pressure can indicate several issues including hypovolemia or reactions to medications, while clear hydrostatic pressure levels suggest that the vascular access is functioning properly. Decreased urine output is more often related to kidney function rather than the status of the dialysis access site. Thus, pain at the access site effectively highlights the risk of infiltration, making it the key indicator in this scenario.