When monitoring a patient receiving hemofiltration, what issues should the technician be aware of?

The correct answer encompasses multiple critical considerations when monitoring a patient undergoing hemofiltration. One key issue is the risk of underhydration, which occurs because hemofiltration involves the removal of excess fluid from the patient's circulation. This process requires constant monitoring to maintain optimal fluid balance. If too much fluid is removed, the patient may become dehydrated, leading to hypotension, a condition characterized by abnormally low blood pressure.

Additionally, alterations in serum medication levels can arise during hemofiltration. As fluid is removed, the concentration of medications in the bloodstream can change, potentially leading to subtherapeutic or toxic levels, depending on the patient's specific situation and medication dosages. Therefore, close observation is essential to ensure that the patient's serum levels remain within therapeutic ranges.

By understanding these intertwined issues, healthcare providers can effectively manage the patient's condition during hemofiltration, ensuring safety and efficacy in treatment.