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The process of hemodialysis generally takes an average of 3 to 5 hours on each of 3 days per week. Patients may receive treatments during morning hours, lunch time, or during the evening, and, as a result, are likely to miss at least one meal. The decision about whether patients should eat while on hemodialysis is a complex issue. The nephrology RN typically has the responsibility of constructing, educating, and teaching policy. There are a number of studies that discuss the hypotensive effects resulting from food consumption while on hemodialysis. Clinical practice is not universal in implementing policy based on these findings. This article will address issues regarding food consumption on hemodialysis, as well as nursing implications.                                                                                     

Katina Kinnel, MSN, RN, CNN, is staff Nurse, John Cochran VA Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, and a member of the St. Louis Metro Chapter of ANNA.