Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

What activity does the water softener perform?

1. Removes chlorine from water

2. Removes calcium and magnesium from water

3. Filters impurities from water

4. Regulates water temperature

The correct answer is: Removes calcium and magnesium from water

The water softener performs the important function of removing calcium and magnesium from water. These two minerals contribute to water hardness, which can cause scaling in plumbing and reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents. By replacing calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions, the water softener effectively lowers the hardness of the water. This softening process not only helps to protect water-using appliances and plumbing systems from mineral buildup but also improves the quality of the water for use in various applications, including dialysis. In a dialysis setting, using softened water is vital, as it ensures that higher-quality water is available, which is crucial for the patients’ safety and comfort. The other activities mentioned in the options do not pertain to the primary function of a water softener. While removing chlorine is important for ensuring water purity, filtering impurities serves a different purpose and regulating temperature is unrelated to the softening process. Thus, the removal of calcium and magnesium is the defining characteristic of what a water softener does.