What is a recommended strategy to prevent hypotension during dialysis?

Keeping the feet elevated during dialysis is a recommended strategy for preventing hypotension. When a patient is in a supine position, having the feet elevated can help facilitate venous return to the heart, thereby increasing cardiac output and blood pressure. This is particularly important during dialysis sessions, which can lead to fluid shifts and changes in blood volume, potentially resulting in hypotension.

Elevation of the feet creates a more favorable hydrostatic gradient for blood to return from the lower extremities, reducing the risk of orthostatic hypotension. It can also improve overall comfort for the patient while they undergo treatment.

Options like feeding the patient during treatment might divert blood flow towards the digestive system, potentially exacerbating hypotension. Performing dialysis at low flow rates could lead to less efficient treatment and may not adequately stabilize blood pressure. Lastly, while managing medications is always important, simply limiting medication without understanding the patient's specific needs and conditions could lead to adverse effects or inadequate treatment. Thus, elevating the feet remains a valuable and effective practice for promoting hemodynamic stability during dialysis.