What action is recommended if fever develops during dialysis?

• A. Notify the physician, assess for infection, and initiate appropriate isolation precautions and treatment as ordered.
• B. Continue dialysis and ignore fever.
• C. Increase UF rate.
• D. Administer antipyretics without orders.

Answer: (A)

A fever that arises during dialysis is a warning sign of possible infection and warrants immediate medical attention and protective precautions. In this situation, taking swift, coordinated steps helps prevent serious complications and stops potential spread. Start by notifying the physician right away, then assess for signs of infection—check vital signs, review temperature trends, and inspect the access site for redness, pain, or drainage. The physician may order blood cultures, access-site cultures, or other tests, and will determine the appropriate treatment, such as antibiotics. Implement infection-control precautions per protocol to protect other patients and staff, and follow the prescribed treatment plan exactly as ordered. It’s important to monitor the patient closely and not continue dialysis or alter the treatment plan without direction from the physician. Avoid giving fever-reducing medications unless specifically ordered, since they can mask symptoms and delay diagnosis. This approach prioritizes safety and timely management of potential infection rather than simply addressing the fever symptom.