Dialysis

• Dialysis: A process whereby the blood is filtered by artificial means
• Dialysis Process:

  1. Blood leaves the patients arm
  2. Anti-coagulant is added to prevent blood clotting
  3. Blood flows into machine next to a partially permeable membrane.
  4. On the other side is dialysis fluid containing salts and mineral ions. Waste, toxins, and extra water from the blood move across the membrane into the dialysis fluid by diffusion
  5. Clean blood exits machines and returns to the body

  
• Why is it important for the patient's blood to pass through the air trap and air detector?

  To remove bubbles from the blood and prevent clotting
• What specific diet and why must a person need during dialysis?

  A controlled protein and salt diet to reduce urea levels
• Why is there a constant circulation of dialysis fluid in the dialysis machine?

  • Keep it fresh and maintain a concentration gradient
  • Ensures that waste products, toxins, and excess substances in the blood keep diffuses into fluid
• What are some advantages of dialysis?

  • Cleans blood
  • Water balance maintained
  • No change in blood glucose levels
• What are some disadvantages of dialysis?

  • Expensive
  • Time-consuming
  • Patient must be on a special diet
  • Temporary