Which action is crucial before starting a dialysis session?

Preparing the dialysis machine is essential before starting a dialysis session because the machine is critical to the patient's treatment. Ensuring that it is properly set up, functioning correctly, and ready to deliver the prescribed therapy is vital for patient safety and treatment efficacy. This preparation involves verifying the machine’s calibration, ensuring that all connections are secure, and checking that all necessary supplies, such as dialysate, are available. A properly prepared machine helps to minimize complications and guarantee that the patient receives the best possible care during the session.

While accessing the patient's medical history is important for understanding their overall health and tailoring treatment, it is typically done prior to the dialysis session rather than just before starting it. Changing the patient's diet is more of a long-term consideration and should not be conducted immediately before treatment. Conducting social assessments can provide valuable insight into patient needs and support systems, but this is usually part of a broader care strategy rather than an immediate action taken before dialysis begins.