The management of acute renal failure in the intensive therapy unit

The intensive care setting is well recognised as a highly technical area, and intensive care nurses are regularly introduced to new and increasingly more sophisticated and complicated equipment. The aim of this article is to eliminate some of the confusion surrounding the choice of dialysis treatment in acute renal failure by reviewing the different types of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Explanation of the principles behind CRRT is expanded by identification of the main differences between continuous haemofiltration and continuous haemodialysis. Some of the more common problems encountered are discussed and suggestions for nursing practice included.