When is a patient considered to be at their "dry" weight postdialysis?

A patient is considered to be at their "dry" weight postdialysis when they have lost sufficient fluid volume. The term "dry weight" refers to the patient’s ideal body weight without excess fluid that can accumulate due to renal failure. This weight is crucial for determining the appropriate amount of fluid to remove during dialysis to avoid complications such as hypotension or dehydration.

Achieving the dry weight means that the patient has undergone adequate dialysis to remove all excess body fluid accumulated since their last treatment, allowing for better cardiovascular stability and overall health. Although being normotensive, having balanced electrolytes, and reporting no symptoms of dehydration are important aspects of postdialysis patient care, they are not the primary indicators for determining whether a patient has reached their dry weight. The focus is directly on the fluid volume loss and ensuring it aligns with their established dry weight target.