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Hemodialysis Simulator

The hemodialysis simulator offers training on the fundamentals of initiating and managing a child on hemodialysis, including setting up a circuit, selecting a prescription, monitoring a patient, assessing laboratory values, and managing clinical complications.

2.5 hours

Initial Publication: March 2017

Citation

Stein D, Littman A, McCulloch M, Su S, Wolbrink TA. Hemodialysis Simulator. 3/2017. Online Interactive Simulator. OPENPediatrics. https://learn.openpediatrics.org/learn/course/2966/hemodialysis-simulator.

Audience

Physicians
Nurses
Other healthcare providers who care for patients receiving hemodialysis

Learning Objectives
  • Explain key basic science-based definitions (i.e. dialysis, osmosis, diffusion, convection).

  • Describe concepts that influence HD delivery, and apply these to management of HD clinically (i.e. indications and contraindications, ultrafiltration, clearance, catheter specifications and infection control).

  • Identify the appropriate circuit set-up for a given patient starting HD based on the patient’s needs.

  • Discuss and manipulate various components of a HD prescription in response to different patient scenarios, including as a given patient’s needs change over time.

  • Apply a systematic approach to evaluating each patient, including physical exam, vital signs, laboratory and fluid balance results evaluation, and assessment of the HD set-up.

  • Recognize and respond to physical exam, vital signs, laboratory results, fluid balance results, and technical aspects of the HD set-up, including diagnostic testing and management.

  • Understand when to deliver, and when to avoid, common medications used with HD (i.e. thrombolytics, IV antibiotics and sedation).

  • Recognize and manage key common patient-specific complications (i.e. hypotension, bleeding, disequilibrium syndrome, infection).

  • Recognize and manage key common electrolyte abnormalities (i.e. hyperkalemia, hypokalemia).

  • Recognize and manage key common mechanical complications (i.e. circuit clotting, catheter malfunction).

Author(s)

Deborah Stein, MD
Attending, Division of Nephrology
Boston Children's Hospital


Annalise Littman, BS
Medical Student

Emory University School of Medicine


Mignon McCulloch, MD
Associate Professor and Pediatric Nephrologist

Red Cross Children's Hospital


Sharon W. Su, MD
Medical Director, Randall Children's Nephrology
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center


Traci Wolbrink, MD, MPH 
Senior Associate, Critical Care Medicine 
Boston Children's Hospital


Animations and Illustrations

Brittanie Marques, BFA 
Sr. Medical Illustrator and Animator, OPENPediatrics
Boston Children's Hospital

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