Affecting Kt/V: An analysis of staff interventions

This article examines current and past literature on the use of Kt/V to determine dialysis adequacy and the staff-dependent factors that influence this measurement of dialysis adequacy. The variance in Kt/V values between centers and between regions of the United States has been noted as a limitation in the interpretation of much evidence-based research and the topic of several studies. It is important for the dialysis staff, nurses in particular, to take a leading role in managing patient care in order to maximize Kt/V values, which are linked to morbidity and mortality. Although some believe that Kt/V is an inadequate measure of adequacy, it seems to be the value most associated with dialysis patients. Dialysis nurses are an essential link in managing a patient's dialysis prescription, central venous catheter management, and patient and staff education-the latter of critical importance in maximizing dialysis adequacy.