Dialysis Catheter Placement Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for dialysis catheter placement: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Kidney Health Basics
- •Follow the personalized medication schedule from your procedure team and prescribing clinician. Contact them before making any medication changes.
- •Monitor blood pressure daily; kidney disease and blood pressure are closely linked
- •Follow the renal diet to prevent dangerous electrolyte imbalances
Dialysis Catheter Placement recovery, day by day
After Dialysis
- Fatigue, lightheadedness, and muscle cramps are common after sessions
- Check access site for bleeding, swelling, or signs of infection
- Weigh yourself daily at the same time; report sudden weight changes, fluid retention
- Follow your fluid restriction closely
Diet & Fluids
- Follow your renal diet: low sodium, low potassium, low phosphorus
- Track fluid intake carefully; include soups, ice, and popsicles in your count
- High-potassium foods to limit: bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes
- Protein needs vary; follow your dietitian's guidance
Ongoing Management
- Never miss a dialysis session; skipping is dangerous
- Attend all nephrology appointments and lab work
- Follow the personalized medication schedule from your procedure team and prescribing clinician. Contact them before making any medication changes.
- Report any changes in urine output, swelling, or breathing difficulty
When to call your provider or 911
- •Call 911 now if you notice: Severe shortness of breath, fluid overload
- •Call 911 now if you notice: Chest pain or irregular heartbeat, potassium imbalance
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Access site bleeding that doesn't stop with 15 min of pressure
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Severe swelling in legs, ankles, or face
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Fever or redness at dialysis access site
- •Call 911 now if you notice: Confusion, severe nausea, or muscle weakness, electrolyte emergency
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 14
Adapting to Dialysis
Body adjusting to dialysis schedule
- Day 30
Ongoing Recovery Review
Review any remaining symptoms or restrictions with the care team before changing your routine.
- Day 30
Treatment Evaluation
Assess effectiveness and adjust plan as needed
For clinics
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