What is a common cause of leg cramps during dialysis and a typical intervention?

• A. Hyperkalemia; administer potassium-lowering therapy.
• B. Air embolism.
• C. Ultrafiltration-related dehydration; reduce UF rate and administer saline as ordered.
• D. Hypoglycemia.

Answer: (C)

Leg cramps during dialysis are most often caused by ultrafiltration-related dehydration—removing fluid too quickly reduces circulating volume and muscle perfusion, leading to cramps. The typical response is to slow the ultrafiltration rate to decrease further fluid removal and to give isotonic saline as ordered to restore intravascular volume and relieve the cramp. After this adjustment, monitor the patient’s blood pressure, cramping, and overall comfort, and reassess UF targets as needed. Other issues like air embolism, electrolyte disturbances such as hyperkalemia, or hypoglycemia can cause different symptoms, but they aren’t the usual cause of intradialytic leg cramps.