What complication should nurses monitor for in patients receiving external cannulas for dialysis?

When monitoring patients receiving external cannulas for dialysis, one of the key complications to be vigilant about is hemorrhage. This concern arises from the fact that external cannulas involve direct access to a patient's vascular system. If there is any accidental dislodgment of the cannula or if the cannula is not properly secured, there is a risk for significant bleeding. Nurses are trained to monitor the insertion site for signs of bleeding, assess the surrounding area for swelling or hematoma formation, and watch for changes in the patient's vital signs that might indicate a drop in blood volume.

Hemorrhage can lead to serious complications, and immediate intervention may be required to control the bleeding and ensure patient safety. Proper training on the management of external cannulas and adherence to protocols can help minimize this risk, but awareness and vigilance are crucial in preventing such potentially life-threatening situations.

Monitoring for other complications, such as those listed, is also important, but the immediate threat posed by hemorrhage makes it a primary focus for nurses caring for patients with external cannulas.