title: Preventing complications in the CAVH patient.
abstract: Continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration (CAVH) is a recently developed extracorporeal technique for treating the fluid overloaded, critically ill patient. Severe complications can occur during this procedure, including clotting and malfunction of the filter, exsanguination, or fluid and electrolyte imbalance. The critical care nurse who understands the principles of filtration, the concepts of heparinization, and the care and maintenance of the large invasive lines required for CAVH can frequently prevent these complications.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Pinson
mesh_terms: D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D006440:Hemofiltration / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment