General Awareness & Patient Safety
Essential information and guidelines for better health outcomes
Blood Donation Guidelines
Eligibility Criteria
- ✓Age requirement: 18-65 years
- ✓Weight should be above 45kg
- ✓Hemoglobin level: 12.5-18.0 gm/dl
- ✓No medications currently
- ✓No alcohol/smoking in last 24 hours
Benefits
- •Reduces stress and anxiety
- •Free health check-up during donation
- •Reduces risk of heart diseases
- •Helps generate new blood cells
- •Blood replenishes within 24 hours
Post-Donation Care
- !Avoid heavy lifting and exercise
- !No alcohol for 24 hours
- !No immediate driving
- !Drink plenty of water and fluids
Did You Know?
One Donation Saves Three Lives
A single blood donation can save up to three lives as blood is separated into red cells, platelets, and plasma.
Quick Recovery
Your body replaces the fluid lost from donation within 24 hours, and red blood cells are completely replenished within 2 months.
Health Benefits
Regular blood donation can reduce the risk of heart disease and help in maintaining healthy iron levels in your body.
Kidney Disease Prevention
Preventive Measures
- ✓Regular blood pressure monitoring
High blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney damage. Aim to maintain BP below 130/80 mmHg.
- ✓Control blood sugar levels
Diabetes is the primary cause of kidney failure. Keep HbA1c below 7% if diabetic.
- ✓Maintain healthy diet habits
Reduce salt intake to less than 5g per day. Limit processed foods and increase fresh fruits and vegetables.
- ✓Regular exercise routine
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week to maintain healthy weight and blood pressure.
- ✓Adequate water intake daily
Drink 2-3 liters of water daily to help kidneys clear sodium and toxins from the body.
Risk Factors to Watch
- !High blood pressure
Hypertension damages blood vessels in kidneys, reducing their ability to function properly.
- !Diabetes
High blood sugar levels damage the filtering units in kidneys over time.
- !Family history of kidney disease
Genetic factors can increase your risk. Regular screening is essential if you have family history.
- !Obesity
Excess weight forces kidneys to work harder and can lead to damage over time.
- !Smoking and excessive alcohol
Both reduce blood flow to kidneys and impair their function.
Dialysis Care
Pre-Dialysis Care
- •Follow prescribed diet
Limit phosphorus, potassium, and sodium intake. Monitor fluid consumption based on your doctor's recommendations.
- •Take medications as directed
Never skip doses of phosphate binders, blood pressure medications, or other prescribed drugs.
- •Monitor blood pressure
Keep a daily log of your blood pressure readings to share with your healthcare team.
- •Vascular access care
Keep your access site clean and check for signs of infection daily.
During Dialysis
- •Follow hygiene protocols
Wash hands and access site thoroughly before treatment. Wear a mask if required.
- •Report any discomfort
Immediately inform staff about cramps, nausea, dizziness, or unusual symptoms during treatment.
- •Maintain prescribed position
Follow staff instructions regarding positioning to ensure optimal blood flow and treatment efficiency.
- •Monitor vital signs
Pay attention to your blood pressure readings during treatment and notify staff of significant changes.
Post-Dialysis Care
- •Rest adequately
Allow your body to recover for at least 2 hours after treatment before engaging in physical activities.
- •Monitor for complications
Watch for unusual bleeding, severe headaches, or persistent nausea after treatment.
- •Follow dietary restrictions
Continue to adhere to your renal diet plan between treatments.
- •Access site care
Apply gentle pressure if bleeding occurs and keep the site clean and dry.
Important Dialysis Considerations
Emergency Signs
- ⚠️Severe shortness of breath
- ⚠️Chest pain or pressure
- ⚠️Uncontrolled bleeding from access site
- ⚠️Severe headache with confusion
Long-term Management
- →Regular lab work monitoring
- →Medication adjustments as needed
- →Psychological support and counseling
- →Transplant evaluation if eligible
Educational Resources
Expert Articles & Resources
Explore these trusted articles from WebMD and other medical sources to learn more about kidney health and disease prevention.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for chronic kidney disease, a condition in which your kidneys are damaged and can't filter blood properly.
High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease
Understand the connection between high blood pressure and kidney disease, and learn strategies to manage both conditions effectively.
Diabetes and Kidney Disease
Learn how diabetes affects your kidneys and what steps you can take to prevent or slow kidney damage if you have diabetes.
10 Ways to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
Explore practical lifestyle changes and habits that can help maintain kidney health and prevent kidney disease.
Nutrition for Early Kidney Disease
Learn about dietary recommendations for people with early-stage kidney disease to help slow progression and manage symptoms.
Water: How much should you drink every day?
Understand how proper hydration affects overall health including kidney function, and learn guidelines for optimal fluid intake.
Disclaimer: The articles linked above are from WebMD, National Kidney Foundation, Mayo Clinic and other external sources. We provide these links for informational purposes only. Always consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice.