What should be done if a patient reports chest pain during dialysis?

When a patient reports chest pain during dialysis, stopping the treatment and performing a medical assessment immediately is crucial. Chest pain can indicate a range of serious conditions, including but not limited to cardiac issues, such as angina or myocardial infarction. Immediate assessment allows the healthcare team to evaluate the patient’s vital signs, review their medical history, and determine if the pain is related to the dialysis procedure or if it indicates a more serious underlying issue.

Prioritizing patient safety is essential. Continuing the dialysis while monitoring closely could potentially overlook a serious condition, putting the patient at greater risk. Adjusting dialysis settings or administering pain relief medication without a thorough assessment might mask symptoms or lead to inappropriate treatment. Therefore, the best course of action in this scenario is to halt the dialysis treatment and conduct a comprehensive evaluation to ensure the patient's well-being.