Module 8 of Kidney School provides information about dialysis access, the connection between the dialysis machine and the patient that is needed for treatment. This module describes hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis accesses, how each is created, monitored, and used. Other topics include the complications and risks associated with different types of hemodialysis accesses, what patients need to know about access care, why it’s good for patients to put in their own needles, and how to help patients overcome needle fear. The purpose of Kidney School Continuing Education courses is to enable the learner to better understand the medical and psychosocial impacts of end stage kidney disease, as well as patients’ experience of managing this chronic condition.
Objectives
After taking this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the 3 types of vascular access for hemodialysis and how they are used.
- List the 5 steps in needle placement.
- Explain what patients and healthcare staff can do to prevent the three leading access problems.
Audience
Nurses and Dialysis Technicians
Contact Hour Approval
This continuing nursing education activity was approved by Medical Education Institute, approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP-17088, for 1 contact hour.
Accreditation for this course expires October 31, 2026.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine if these CE contact hours will be accepted by a particular licensing organization.
About Kidney School
All content for Kidney School is developed by Medical Education Institute and reviewed by a multidisciplinary team of experts and patients. Kidney School does not endorse any products, and use of Kidney School does not replace a patient’s need to talk with a healthcare professional about individual healthcare concerns and treatment options.
The Kidney School CE Planning Committee members are: Catherine G. Cox, RN, BSN, MS, Dori Schatell, MS, and Beth Witten, MSW, LSCSW.
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest were disclosed.
