What symptom indicates a heparin overdose during dialysis?

The presence of bleeding around the needles during dialysis is a critical symptom that indicates a heparin overdose. Heparin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent clotting during dialysis. When a patient is overdosed with heparin, it can lead to an increased risk of bleeding due to excessive anticoagulation. This bleeding may manifest specifically at the sites where the needles are inserted into the patient's vascular access, making it a reliable indicator of potential heparin overdose.

Recognizing signs of heparin overdose is essential for healthcare providers in order to take immediate action, such as administering protamine sulfate, which is a reversal agent for heparin, and monitoring the patient closely for further signs of bleeding or complications.