Dialysis

Definition

Dialysis is a medical process that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove waste products and excess substances from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform this function effectively. This process is crucial for patients with kidney failure, as it helps maintain the balance of electrolytes, fluid levels, and removes toxins from the bloodstream. Dialysis can occur via two primary methods: hemodialysis, which involves filtering blood through a machine, and peritoneal dialysis, which uses the lining of the abdominal cavity as a natural filter.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dialysis is typically required when a person's kidneys are functioning at less than 15% of their normal capacity.
2. The dialysis process helps to regulate blood pressure and maintain proper pH levels in the body.
3. Dialysis treatments usually last about three to five hours and are done multiple times a week for hemodialysis patients.
4. Patients undergoing dialysis need to follow strict dietary restrictions to manage their intake of potassium, phosphorus, and sodium.
5. While dialysis can effectively manage kidney failure, it is not a cure; many patients eventually require a kidney transplant.

Review Questions

• How does the mechanism of dialysis work in removing waste from the blood?
  • Dialysis works by utilizing a semipermeable membrane that separates the blood from a dialysis solution. Waste products and excess substances move across the membrane from an area of higher concentration in the blood to an area of lower concentration in the dialysis solution. This diffusion process allows toxins and excess electrolytes to be removed effectively while maintaining necessary components in the bloodstream, thus mimicking the function of healthy kidneys.
• Compare and contrast hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in terms of their methods and applications.
  • Hemodialysis involves using a machine to filter blood outside the body through an artificial kidney, known as a dialyzer. It requires access to a blood vessel and is performed at a clinic or hospital. In contrast, peritoneal dialysis uses the patient’s abdominal lining as a natural filter, with dialysate being infused into the abdominal cavity. This method can be done at home and allows for more flexibility in daily life. Both methods serve similar purposes but differ significantly in execution and patient lifestyle.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of relying on dialysis for patients with chronic kidney disease and how it impacts their quality of life.
  • Relying on dialysis for chronic kidney disease has significant long-term implications for patients. While it can prolong life and manage symptoms, it does not restore kidney function or cure the underlying disease. Patients often experience fatigue, dietary restrictions, and time commitments due to frequent treatments, which can affect their social interactions and overall quality of life. Additionally, many individuals may face emotional challenges such as anxiety about their health status or concerns over transitioning to more invasive options like kidney transplantation. Therefore, while dialysis is a lifesaving procedure, it brings about complex lifestyle adjustments and emotional considerations for patients.

Related terms

Hemodialysis: A method of dialysis where blood is filtered through a machine that contains a dialyzer, or artificial kidney, to remove waste products.

Peritoneal Dialysis: A type of dialysis that uses the peritoneum in the abdomen as a membrane through which waste products and excess fluids are removed from the blood.

Semipermeable Membrane: A barrier that allows certain molecules or ions to pass through while blocking others, essential for the process of dialysis.