Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
06:43
Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management
Published on: November 21, 2017
Nursing Practice for Temperature Control During Continuous Kidney Replacement Therapy in Intensive Care: A
Tom Brelsford1, Monica Schoch2, Debra Kerr2,3
1Austin Health, Intensive Care Unit, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
Journal of Renal Care
|June 3, 2026
Summary
Hypothermia during continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) is dangerous. Nursing practices for temperature control during CKRT vary, highlighting a need for standardized guidelines and education to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Nursing
- Nephrology Nursing
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Hypothermia during continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT) is linked to adverse patient outcomes.
- Effective temperature management is crucial for critically ill patients undergoing CKRT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe current nursing practices for temperature assessment and management in patients receiving CKRT.
- To compare nurses' confidence and practices based on experience and exposure to CKRT.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional comparative study utilizing an online survey.
- 155 intensive care nurses participated, completing a 23-item survey on temperature control practices.
- Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data.
Main Results:
- Significant variation exists in the frequency and methods of temperature assessment during CKRT.
- Only 36% of nurses performed hourly temperature assessments; 64% used non-invasive methods.
- Nurses with more experience and CKRT exposure reported higher confidence levels.
Conclusions:
- Current nursing practices for temperature control during CKRT demonstrate considerable variation.
- There is a clear need for evidence-based guidelines and targeted educational strategies for nurses.
- Standardizing practice and enhancing confidence can improve patient safety and outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, also known as CRRT, is a procedural treatment for acute kidney injury (AKI) that gradually removes uremic toxins and fluids while maintaining acid-base balance and stabilizing electrolytes. It is particularly useful for hemodynamically unstable patients. Unlike intermittent hemodialysis, which is faster, CRRT provides a gentler approach over 24 hours, closely mimicking the function of natural kidneys. However, CRRT is not ideal for patients with...
01:16Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management
Postoperative Nursing Management for Kidney Transplant PatientsPostoperative nursing management care includes monitoring the surgical site, encouraging early movement, and promoting lung health through breathing exercises. Nurses also administer prescribed medications like H2-blockers, such as famotidine, or proton pump inhibitors, like omeprazole, to help prevent gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding. Fungal infections in the mouth and bladder can result from immunosuppressive and antibiotic...
01:20Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) requires a collaborative healthcare approach to restore renal function and prevent complications. Essential management strategies involve monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance, adjusting medications, initiating dialysis when necessary, and providing nutritional support.Fluid and Electrolyte ManagementFluid Monitoring: Regularly monitoring body weight, central venous pressure, and urine output helps detect fluid imbalances early. Patient intake and output are...
01:26Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) is an essential intervention for patients experiencing severe kidney dysfunction. This therapy offers a continuous mechanism for removing fluids and toxins from the bloodstream, leveraging the patient’s blood pressure to facilitate filtration through a specialized filter. This method contrasts with intermittent dialysis, providing a gentler and more consistent removal of waste products and excess fluid, which is particularly beneficial in critically...
01:22Acute Kidney Injury VI: Nursing Management
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) results in an inability to maintain fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. Effective nursing management is critical in improving patient outcomes and includes comprehensive patient assessment and targeted interventions.Comprehensive Patient AssessmentA detailed history collection is essential, focusing on any recent infections, nephrotoxic medication use, or chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes that may contribute to AKI. During the physical...
01:18Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management
Nursing management is essential for preventing complications, maintaining stability, and improving patients' quality of life in chronic kidney disease (CKD). By using a structured approach, nurses help slow CKD progression and support effective patient care.1. Comprehensive patient assessmentEffective management begins with nurses reviewing the patient’s medical history, and identifying key risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug use. Nurses assess signs of fluid...