Nursing Management in Infectious Diseases and Dialysis
Chapter from the book: Nurdaş, A. (ed.) 2026. Dialysis in Special Patient Groups Principles of Practice.

Elif Asena Kantarcı
İstanbul Rumeli University

Synopsis

In patients undergoing dialysis, infections are not merely accompanying complications; they are key clinical determinants that directly influence mortality, hospitalization rates, and treatment continuity. The development of infections in end-stage renal disease is associated with uremic immune dysfunction, invasive vascular access, frequent healthcare contact, the burden of comorbidities, and antibiotic exposure. In these patients, infections often present with atypical onset and may progress rapidly to clinical deterioration due to hemodynamic fragility. The type of vascular access is a key determinant of infection risk, with central venous catheters associated with higher infection rates compared to arteriovenous fistulas. Therefore, current guidelines recommend the use of arteriovenous fistulas whenever possible. Common infections in dialysis patients include vascular access site infections, catheter-related bloodstream infections, peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis, viral infections, and systemic infections. Clinical management requires a multidimensional approach that includes not only antibiotic therapy but also the maintenance of aseptic practices, the implementation of appropriate culture protocols, the adjustment of antibiotic dosing and timing according to the dialysis schedule, and hemodynamic monitoring. Early diagnosis is of critical importance, particularly in cases of peritonitis and catheter-related infections, for treatment success and the prevention of complications. Nursing care plays a central role in the early detection of infections, the standardization of access site care, patient education, and the implementation of infection control measures. In conclusion, the comprehensive and systematic management of infections in dialysis patients is essential for improving clinical outcomes and ensuring treatment continuity.

How to cite this book

Kantarcı, E. A. (2026). Nursing Management in Infectious Diseases and Dialysis. In: Nurdaş, A. (ed.), Dialysis in Special Patient Groups Principles of Practice. Özgür Publications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58830/ozgur.pub1293.c5239

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Published

April 23, 2026

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