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Helen F. Williams, BSN, RN, CNN

Helen F. Williams, BSN, RN, CNN, is Staff Nurse, Western Nephrology Acute Dialysis Service, Lakewood, CO. She is a member of ANNA’s Acute Care Special Interest Group and High Country Chapter. The author reported no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this continuing nursing education article. For more information on this article, contact Ms. Williams at hwilliams@westneph.com.

Kirsten Jensen, BSN, RN, CNN

Kirsten Jensen, BSN, RN, CNN, is Staff Nurse, Western Nephrology Acute Dialysis Service, Lakewood, CO. She is a member of ANNA’s Distance Learning Committee and High Country Chapter. The author reported no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this continuing nursing education article.

David Gillum, MD

David Gillum, MD, is Acute Dialysis Medical Director, Western Nephrology, Lakewood, CO. The author reported no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this continuing nursing education article.

Jose Nabut, MS

Jose Nabut, MS, is Biostatistician, Gambro Healthcare, Sunny Isles Beach, FL. The author disclosed that he is employed by Gambro Renal Products, Inc., the U.S. distributor for GRP monitors.

Actual blood flow rate delivered by a dialysis machine is often less than what is prescribed. The Gambro Phoenix machine calculates the actual blood flow rate, reporting it as “compensated” blood flow rate. This study compared two methods of setting the prescribed rate, using Kt/V to determine the effectiveness of each. Results verified that patients achieve a higher Kt/V when the prescribed blood flow rate is set as the compensated blood flow rate.