Why should the venous chamber be full before starting dialysis?

Filling the venous chamber before starting dialysis is crucial primarily to prevent air embolism. Air that enters the bloodstream during the dialysis process can lead to serious complications, including stroke or heart attack, which might occur if air bubbles travel to vital organs. Ensuring that the venous chamber is full of blood minimizes the risk of air entering the venous line, as it creates a continuous flow of blood and reduces the likelihood of any air pockets being delivered to the patient.

Achieving a full venous chamber before starting dialysis also contributes to the overall efficiency of the dialysis process by enabling a stable pressure environment. This not only helps maintain the flow of blood through the dialysis machine but also supports the effectiveness of the treatment, ensuring that toxins are adequately removed from the bloodstream. While other factors like patient comfort and operational noise might be beneficial, they are secondary to the critical need to avoid air embolism, which poses a direct risk to patient safety.