Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

During dialysis, the main objective regarding blood solute levels is to:

1. Maintain them

2. Decrease them

3. Increase them

4. Monitor them closely

The correct answer is: Decrease them

During dialysis, the primary goal concerning blood solute levels is to decrease them. The process of dialysis is specifically designed to remove waste products and excess solutes from the blood, which can accumulate due to the kidneys’ impaired function in patients with renal failure. During dialysis, a dialysate solution is used to create a concentration gradient that allows solutes such as urea, creatinine, and excess electrolytes to diffuse from the blood into the dialysate. This is crucial for effectively lowering the levels of these harmful substances, helping to relieve symptoms and prevent complications associated with kidney failure. While monitoring solute levels is important for ensuring effective treatment and maintaining patient safety, the central objective remains focused on their reduction in the bloodstream to restore balance and support overall health. Maintaining or increasing blood solute levels would be counterproductive and would not align with the therapeutic goals of dialysis treatment.