This is a 12" x 18" large font, full colour poster.

This poster attempts to describe the complex concept of body weight in renal failure.

The writer has attempted to provide an overview of the concept without overwhelming the learner.

There is a strong emphasis on individuality of the learner.

This poster is divided into five sections:
1. Normal fluid control in the body
2. Symptoms of fluid overload
3. Symptoms of hypovolemia
4. Effect of excess fluid on weight
5. How dry weight is determined

Normal fluid control
This section of the poster strives to address the following questions as a basis for understanding goal weight:

• How does fluid get into my body?
• How do I get the fluid out of my body?
• What happens to my body if there is a lot of extra fluid in my body?

Symptoms of fluid overload
This section of the poster does not attempt to be a comprehensive description of the effects of fluid overload on the human physiology. The goal is to provide a visual and graphic description of the more common symptoms: shortness of breath, swelling, and an increase in blood pressure.

Symptoms of hypovolemia
Again, this section of the poster does not attempt to be a comprehensive description of the effects of hypovolemia on the human physiology but provides strives to provide a visual and graphic description of the more common symptoms: dizziness, cramping, and low blood pressure.

Effect of fluid on weight
This difficult concept is presented in two pictures.

The first picture is a cartoon-like person on a scale. The wording describes the normal process of determining weight by getting on a scale when normal functioning kidneys remove extra fluid.

The second picture is the same cartoon-like person on the scale. The person has a glass of fluid inside the body. The wording describes how extra fluid will stay in the body, and show up on the scale when the kidneys are not working.

How to determine dry weight
The intent of this section is to describe the often-complex process of determining true body weight. Neck vein distension, edema, blood pressure, and how a person feels is presented as factors to be considered in determining body weight in a person experiencing renal failure.

The poster is laminated with a 5-mm laminate to allow for easy cleaning.

It is appropriate for use by renal professionals in a predialysis, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, clinic or office setting.