In a patient with gross edema, which symptoms should the dialysis technician monitor for signs of hypotension?

Monitoring for shortness of breath in a patient with gross edema is particularly crucial because it can indicate fluid overload, which may lead to complications such as hypotension during dialysis. When a patient experiences excessive fluid retention, the increase in intravascular volume can overwhelm their cardiovascular system, potentially leading to a drop in blood pressure.

Shortness of breath could signify pulmonary congestion or edema related to fluid overload, which, if not addressed, could precipitate hypotensive crises during treatment. Hence, a dialysis technician should closely observe any signs of respiratory distress as it may be an early signal of deteriorating hemodynamic status.

The other symptoms listed may not be as directly linked to changes in blood pressure during dialysis. Flushed face and nosebleed can be associated with hypertension rather than hypotension. Paleness can indicate various conditions, including anemia or shock, but it does not consistently signal hypotension specifically. Excessive yawning may relate to fatigue or anxiety and is not a reliable indicator for hypotension in patients undergoing dialysis.