Which actions by the dialysis staff will help prevent or minimize disequilibrium?

Decreasing the dialysate flow rate is an effective action for preventing or minimizing disequilibrium syndrome during dialysis. Disequilibrium occurs when there is a rapid removal of solutes from the blood, leading to an imbalance between the osmotic pressure in the blood and the surrounding tissues. By slowing down the dialysate flow rate, the exchange of solutes between the blood and dialysate can be made more gradual. This helps to ensure that the cerebral tissues and plasma have a more regulated osmotic balance, reducing the risk of symptoms associated with disequilibrium syndrome, such as headaches, nausea, and seizures.

The other methods mentioned, such as implementing isolated ultrafiltration or utilizing a small dialyzer with lower clearance, do not directly address the osmotic changes that contribute to disequilibrium. Lowering the heparin dose may relate to bleeding risks during dialysis rather than the prevention of disequilibrium. Therefore, controlling the rate of dialysate flow is a primary strategy for mitigating these risks effectively.