What is the main reason for monitoring vital signs during hemodialysis?

Monitoring vital signs during hemodialysis is crucial primarily to ensure patient stability. Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, provide essential information regarding the patient's current physiological status. Changes in these parameters can indicate a response to treatment or the onset of complications, such as hypotension, fluid overload, or adverse reactions to dialysis.

By continuously monitoring these vital signs, healthcare providers can quickly identify any deviations from the patient's baseline and take appropriate actions to address potential issues, thus ensuring the patient's safety and well-being throughout the dialysis session. This vigilance is vital since patients undergoing hemodialysis may be at risk for various complications related to fluid shifts and electrolyte imbalances.

In contrast, assessing fluid removal efficiency and determining weight are related to the treatment process but do not involve the immediate safety and stability considerations that vital signs do. Preparing for blood tests, while an important aspect of hemodialysis care, is not directly linked to the ongoing assessment of a patient's condition during the treatment session.