What immediate action should be taken if a patient begins to experience hypotension during dialysis?

When a patient experiences hypotension during dialysis, the immediate and appropriate action is to administer fluids. This intervention addresses the potential volume depletion that may be contributing to the hypotensive episode. Hypotension during dialysis can occur due to various reasons such as excessive ultrafiltration or low blood volume. Administering fluids can help increase blood volume and improve blood pressure.

It is essential to recognize that stopping the treatment altogether might not be necessary at this stage, as it could lead to further complications. Increasing the treatment rate could worsen hypotension by causing more fluid removal than the patient can tolerate. While calling for assistance is important in a medical emergency, the priority during an episode of hypotension is to stabilize the patient's condition, which is best achieved through fluid administration.