What measurement is done first for a patient beginning their dialysis session?

In a dialysis session, the first measurement performed for a patient is the weight measurement. This is crucial because it establishes a baseline for determining the amount of fluid to be removed during treatment. Accurate weight assessment helps the healthcare team manage the patient's fluid status and prevent complications related to fluid overload or dehydration.

Weight is often monitored pre-dialysis to compare against post-dialysis weight, allowing for an assessment of fluid removal. This information is essential for tailoring the dialysis prescription and ensuring the patient's safety. While blood pressure, temperature, and blood draws are important, they typically follow the initial weight measurement in the sequence of assessments conducted before initiating dialysis.