A rise in transmembrane pressure in a low flux dialyzer during hemodialysis indicates what condition?

A rise in transmembrane pressure in a low flux dialyzer during hemodialysis is an indication of clotting within the extracorporeal circuit. Transmembrane pressure is the difference in pressure between the blood side and the dialysate side of the dialyzer. When clotting occurs, it increases the resistance to blood flow, resulting in a higher transmembrane pressure reading. This can cause inadequate dialysis and can also pose risks to the patient by increasing the workload on the pump and potentially leading to other complications.

This scenario typically unfolds when the blood cannot flow freely through the dialyzer due to clots forming inside. Clotting may be influenced by factors such as the patient’s anticoagulation status, the presence of air in the circuit, or inappropriate dialysate composition.

In contrast, the other conditions mentioned would not directly result in an increased transmembrane pressure in the same manner. For instance, arterial needle malposition is more likely to cause inadequate blood return or arterial pressure changes without directly affecting the transmembrane pressure. Excessive ultrafiltration usually leads to complications such as hypotension or cramping rather than a specific increase in transmembrane pressure. Hypotension occurs when there is a low