Which checks should be performed on the dialysis machine before a patient's first hemodialysis session?

Testing all extracorporeal alarms to ensure they respond properly is essential before a patient's first hemodialysis session, as this is a critical safety measure. These alarms are designed to alert healthcare providers to any issues with the dialysis process, such as changes in blood flow, air in the circuit, or problems with dialysate flow. Properly functioning alarms ensure that any potential complication can be quickly addressed, protecting the patient's safety during treatment.

While measuring the dialysate concentration, ensuring a scale is nearby to measure the patient's weight, and checking the patient's temperature are all important components of patient care, they do not specifically address the immediate safety checks related to the functioning of the dialysis machine itself. The primary focus before starting dialysis should be on ensuring that the machine is operating safely and effectively, and that includes verifying the operation of all alarms.