Dialysis Injury & Accidents

Dialysis to save the lives of people who have problems with their kidneys can bring about certain risks.

This procedure can cause a host of side effects, which can affect the health of a patient, although needed to help filter the blood of the patients.

After the procedure, typical side effects can result in a patient’s fall or various problems.

Dialysis centers and the medical staff need to know of these hazardous side effects to maintain the safety of patients.


Looking for likely side effects and preparing can be used by staff after dialysis to protect their patients.

Internally various complications may emerge, although a patient may look healthy on the outside; this includes overdoses of acetate or acetic acid used in dialysis.


Several typical side effects are the following:

Low blood pressure or hypotension. This tends to be the most typical complication which occurs with dialysis.

Due to a lack in refilling of The cardiovascular system, and ultrafiltration of the blood, the patient may become vulnerable to low blood pressure which can make him or her dizzy, and lose balance, among other catastrophic side effects.

Undergoing dialysis, many patients can sustain muscle cramps, namely near the end of the procedure. If not corrected, this can restrict an ability to move properly.

Another common dilemma with dialysis is low oxygen in the blood or hypoxemia. This occurs in 90% of patients. Even when the patient is on a ventilator, this can occur.

If left untreated, lacking oxygen can cause fatal and catastrophic side effects.

In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration ordered a class one recall of Naturalyte and Granuflo dialysis drugs. This is in addition to other dialysis treatment concerns.

Not only were these drugs used for dialysis, but were found to boost levels of bicarbonate, which can lead to heart attacks, cardiovascular problems, and even death.

A typical dilemma for patients on dialysis is any risk of injuring themselves and falling.

During and after dialysis, this can occur, as a number of the previous complications listed can have an effect on the ability to walk and maintain balance.

Medical staff needs to know of this risk, namely with patients who may be at vast risk for collapsing because of mobility, age, or other medical issues.

When the patient leaves from dialysis, he or she may need assistance when walking, due to muscle cramps or dizziness.

Along with staff assistance, the use of a wheelchair or walker may be required.

The area should be clear of obstacles around the patient, and have a non-slip, dry floor.

Generally, allowing the hallways and rooms to be easy for someone to navigate and walk around is crucial to preventing falls.

It is a known fact that patients can become dizzy, and fall from a bed or chair during dialysis. Supervision is necessary to ensure the patients don’t risk falling.

Contact us for a free consultation or call Anzalone Law Firm PLLC, at: 603.548.3797