ABSTRACT
Introduction Despite the numerous technological advances that have occurred since the acceptance of haemodialysis as an appropriate treatment for acute and chronic renal failure, the procedure is not risk free. Elderly patients with significant comorbid disease are increasingly being accepted into end stage renal disease programs. Nurses are frequently required to dialyse medically unstable patients, often with multiple organ failure, in intensive care environments. Knowledge of the risks inherent in extracorporeal therapy, as well as the risks associated with haemodialysis as a treatment modality, will enable the dialysis of these patients to be accomplished with minimal risk.
