Which of the following symptoms indicates a rupture of red blood cells during dialysis?

The presence of cherry red blood during dialysis is indicative of a rupture of red blood cells, a condition known as hemolysis. This occurs when damaged red blood cells release their contents into the bloodstream, leading to changes in the color of the blood. The bright cherry red appearance is a result of free hemoglobin that is released from the lysed red blood cells, which can be seen in the dialysate or in the blood returning to the patient.

Monitoring for this symptom is crucial, as hemolysis can lead to serious complications, including anemia, tissue hypoxia, and other systemic effects as the free hemoglobin and other cellular components can be harmful if they enter the circulatory system in significant amounts. Identifying cherry red blood allows healthcare providers to take swift action to address the underlying cause of the hemolysis, such as checking the equipment for potential causes like incorrect blood flow rates or the presence of air bubbles.

The other options, while they may suggest potential complications during dialysis, do not specifically indicate hemolysis. Visible clots might reflect clotting in the circuit or access site, pain at the venous needle site could indicate a needle placement issue or infiltration, and difficulty breathing may be associated with fluid overload or anaphylactic