During the final thirty minutes of dialysis, if a patient complains of blurred vision and dizziness, what should the caregiver evaluate for?

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In the context of dialysis and the symptoms presented—blurred vision and dizziness—evaluating for hypotension is crucial. Dialysis can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte shifts, and patients may experience a drop in blood pressure, especially during the final stages of the treatment when fluid is being removed from the body.

Hypotension during dialysis may be caused by factors such as the removal of excess fluid too quickly or the patient's blood volume being compromised due to low intravascular volume. Patients often can be especially susceptible to these changes towards the end of the procedure, manifesting as dizziness, blurred vision, or even fainting.

While hyperglycemia could cause similar symptoms, it is less common in the context of immediate dialysis therapy unless there are underlying issues with insulin management. Fluid overload is usually opposite to hypotension; it would generally present with symptoms related to excess fluid rather than low blood pressure. Though sepsis is a serious condition that can occur in patients on dialysis, it typically presents with more systemic signs such as fever, chills, or significant changes in overall health rather than isolated symptoms like blurred vision and dizziness.

Therefore, evaluating the patient for hypotension is the most appropriate response in this situation, as addressing a potential drop in blood pressure can stabilize

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