Dialysis

Definition

Dialysis is a medical procedure that removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are unable to function properly. This process is crucial for patients with acute or chronic kidney disease, as it helps maintain a balance of electrolytes and prevents the buildup of harmful substances in the body. Dialysis can be life-saving and can either be done through hemodialysis, which filters blood outside the body, or peritoneal dialysis, which uses the lining of the abdomen to filter blood internally.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dialysis is typically required when kidney function falls below 15% of normal capacity, a condition known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
2. The two main types of dialysis are hemodialysis, which usually takes place in a clinic three times a week for about four hours each session, and peritoneal dialysis, which can often be done at home daily.
3. Patients undergoing dialysis may experience side effects such as low blood pressure, cramping, or infections at the access site, making regular monitoring essential.
4. Dialysis not only removes waste but also helps control blood pressure, maintain safe levels of potassium and sodium, and regulate pH levels in the body.
5. While dialysis can replace some functions of healthy kidneys, it does not cure kidney disease; many patients may eventually need a kidney transplant for long-term management.

Review Questions

• How does dialysis contribute to managing patients with acute and chronic kidney disease?
  • Dialysis plays a critical role in managing both acute and chronic kidney disease by performing the essential functions of filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood. In acute cases, it provides immediate support while kidneys recover, whereas in chronic situations, it becomes a necessary treatment to replace lost kidney function. This helps prevent complications related to electrolyte imbalances and fluid overload, improving patient outcomes significantly.
• Evaluate the differences between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in terms of procedure and patient lifestyle.
  • Hemodialysis involves using an external machine to filter blood through an artificial kidney and typically requires patients to visit a clinic several times a week. Conversely, peritoneal dialysis utilizes the body's own abdominal lining as a filter and can often be performed at home, offering greater flexibility in terms of daily routine. These differences can significantly impact patients' lifestyles; while some may prefer the convenience of peritoneal dialysis, others might opt for hemodialysis due to its structured schedule.
• Assess the implications of long-term dialysis on patient health outcomes and quality of life compared to kidney transplantation.
  • Long-term dialysis can significantly affect patient health outcomes and quality of life compared to kidney transplantation. While dialysis effectively manages waste removal, it is associated with ongoing complications like infections, fatigue, and dietary restrictions. Transplantation, on the other hand, offers a more permanent solution that often restores near-normal kidney function, leading to improved energy levels and fewer dietary limitations. However, candidates for transplantation face challenges such as wait times for donor organs and potential rejection of the transplanted organ, highlighting the importance of individualized treatment plans.

Related terms

Hemodialysis: A type of dialysis that involves filtering the blood through a machine and an artificial kidney (dialyzer) outside the body.

Peritoneal Dialysis: A form of dialysis that uses the peritoneum in the abdomen as a natural filter to remove waste and excess fluid from the blood.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their function over time, often requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation as a treatment option.