Define "intradialytic hypotension."

Intradialytic hypotension is defined as a drop in blood pressure occurring during hemodialysis treatment. This scenario often arises when fluid is rapidly removed from the bloodstream, leading to a decrease in vascular volume and subsequently causing the blood pressure to fall. Recognizing and managing intradialytic hypotension is crucial since it can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and fainting, which may affect patient safety and the overall efficacy of the treatment.

The other options describe different physiological responses or conditions that are not accurate representations of intradialytic hypotension. For instance, a sudden increase in heart rate during treatment may indicate an alert to sudden changes but does not capture the essence of hypotension, while fluid overload following dialysis is a separate issue associated with excessive fluid retention that can complicate patient care. Lastly, high blood pressure experienced by patients on dialysis contradicts the very definition of hypotension, which pertains specifically to low blood pressure.