skip to main content

Dialysis Withdrawal Survival Estimate — ESENeph MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateChronic Kidney DiseaseDialysis Withdrawal Survival EstimateESENeph

A 55-year-old man with CKD G5D decides to withdraw from dialysis after informed shared decision-making. He has capacity and understands the consequences. He has intractable symptoms and poor quality of life. What is the estimated survival after dialysis withdrawal?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Average survival after planned dialysis withdrawal is approximately 7-10 days (range 1-40+ days) depending on residual renal function, fluid status, and comorbidities; symptom management with palliative care is essential

Planned dialysis withdrawal is one of the most common modes of death for dialysis patients (accounting for 15-25% of deaths). Average survival is 7-10 days (shorter with anuria, fluid overload; longer with significant residual function). UKKA conservative management guidelines recommend: advance care planning before withdrawal, symptom management plan (anticipatory medications for pain, nausea, agitation, secretions, breathlessness), family support, preferred place of death planning, and involvement of palliative care. The decision requires confirmed capacity, voluntariness, and full understanding of consequences.

Reference: UKKA 2021 – Conservative Kidney Management; RCP 2018 – Dialysis Withdrawal