0
Dialysis
Dialysis is a medical procedure used to clean waste and excess water from the blood when the kidneys have reduced function.
469 Questions
Why is dialysis fluid hypotonic?
Dialysis fluid is hypotonic to facilitate the movement of waste products and excess electrolytes from the blood into the dialysis fluid while minimizing the loss of essential proteins and cells. A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the blood, which encourages the diffusion of toxins and urea out of the blood, helping to purify it. This osmotic gradient is crucial for effective dialysis treatment in patients with kidney failure.
What two components in dialysis fluid must not be in the blood?
Urea and salts, i think so such as sodium ions
How can dialysis tubing be used to model a selectively permeable membrane?
Dialysis tubing can model a selectively permeable membrane by allowing certain small molecules and ions to pass through while restricting larger molecules. When filled with a solution and submerged in another solution, the tubing will permit the diffusion of substances like water, glucose, and ions based on concentration gradients. This setup effectively demonstrates principles of osmosis and diffusion, illustrating how cells selectively allow materials in and out. By observing changes in mass or concentration, one can visualize the behavior of a selectively permeable membrane in biological systems.
What is the longest that one can live on dialysis?
There is no limit, many can live with dialysis the majority of their life.
How long does an elderly patient live with kidney dialysis's?
The life expectancy of an elderly patient on kidney dialysis can vary significantly based on individual health factors, the presence of other medical conditions, and overall quality of care. On average, elderly patients may live for several years on dialysis, with some studies suggesting a median survival of around 3 to 5 years. However, many patients can live longer, particularly if they respond well to treatment and maintain a good quality of life. Regular monitoring and adjustments in treatment can also impact longevity.
Why is dialysis such an important treatment for kidney failure?
The kidney's clean your blood. They are responsible for removing urea from the blood (changing it to urine), adjusting ion levels in your blood and adjusting the water content of your blood. They need to do this because urea is poisonous and the levels of the other substances I mentioned need to be controlled... without them you die, and if they are not working properly you pee blood, neither of which are good things ;)
