Which statement best describes the use of dry weight in PD?

Which statement best describes the use of dry weight in PD?

• A. To determine current fluid status and guide ultrafiltration targets to achieve euvolemia
• B. To help select dialysate calcium concentration
• C. To predict future kidney function
• D. To assess nutritional status only

Answer: (A)

Dry weight is the post-dialysis weight that reflects the patient’s normal fluid status. In PD, using this weight helps you judge how much fluid is currently in the body and set ultrafiltration targets for the next exchanges to achieve euvolemia—having the right amount of fluid without edema or high blood pressure. This is the practical role: it guides how aggressively to remove fluid so the patient stays within a healthy volume. Dialysate calcium concentration, future kidney function, and nutritional status are not determined by dry weight. Calcium decisions depend on bone-mineral balance and labs; dry weight doesn’t predict remaining kidney function; and nutrition is about intake, protein, and related labs, not about the body’s fluid target.

Dry weight is the post-dialysis weight that reflects the patient’s normal fluid status. In PD, using this weight helps you judge how much fluid is currently in the body and set ultrafiltration targets for the next exchanges to achieve euvolemia—having the right amount of fluid without edema or high blood pressure. This is the practical role: it guides how aggressively to remove fluid so the patient stays within a healthy volume.

Dialysate calcium concentration, future kidney function, and nutritional status are not determined by dry weight. Calcium decisions depend on bone-mineral balance and labs; dry weight doesn’t predict remaining kidney function; and nutrition is about intake, protein, and related labs, not about the body’s fluid target.