CAVH. Principles and practical applications.

While being one of the earliest and simplest forms of continuous renal replacement therapy, CAVH provided a means for treating the azotemic, hypervolemic critically ill patient. In order to deliver care for the patient undergoing CAVH, critical care nurses must demonstrate an understanding of the physiologic mechanism of action as well as knowledge and technical competency regarding circuit management. Multidisciplinary standards are imperative for successful implementation of any CRRT program. Any institution wishing to adopt certain CAVH standards provided within this article should review each particular standard to determine if it meets the specific needs of their unique patient population.