Muscle Cramps

Question 1

What is the definition of muscle cramps?

Answer 1

o Painful muscle contractions in extremities or abdomen

Question 2

Causes?

Answer 2

o Rapid or excessive fluid removal, hypo-osmolality, tissue hypoxemia/ischemia, electrolyte disorders or imbalances: low sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, any local irritating factor or metabolic abnormality of a muscle (e.g., severe cold, lack of blood flow, over‐exercise)

Question 3

Symptoms?

Answer 3

o Painful cramps usually occur late in dialysis

Question 4

Interventions?

Answer 4

o Massage or apply opposing force, stretching of affected muscle, reduce or discontinue UFR, assess target weight, for severe cramping a normal saline bolus maybe be indicated as prescribed

Question 5

Prevention?

Answer 5

o Appropriate dietary control of fluid and electrolytes, UFR of ≤13 mL/kg/hr, decrease sodium loading, increase treatment time, UF profiling