What is a primary consideration for using hemodialysis (HD) lines?

Using hemodialysis lines requires careful consideration to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. One primary consideration is the anatomical site chosen for line placement, particularly avoiding the neck and chest areas in patients who have a tracheostomy. This is crucial because these areas are already compromised in terms of vascular access, and introducing additional lines could lead to complications such as infections or pneumothorax. The presence of a tracheostomy may also heighten the risk of airway complications, and utilizing these regions for hemodialysis lines could pose significant risks to the patient’s health.

In contrast, hemodialysis lines are not suitable for every patient regardless of their condition; the choice of the site and type of line must consider each patient's specific medical circumstances. Additionally, while arms are commonly used for line placement, it is not correct that hemodialysis lines should only be inserted in the arm as there may be valid reasons for using other sites depending on the patient's vascular access history and current health status. Finally, while non-tunneled lines have their purpose, the statement regarding their exclusive use for placement is inaccurate since tunneled lines can also be appropriate in certain scenarios, particularly for long-term access.