In order for hemodialysis to be effective in ridding the body of excess electrolytes, which of the following statements must be TRUE?
A) The dialysate must contain electrolytes in the same concentration as in the patient's blood.
B) The dialysate must contain electrolytes in a concentration lower than in the patient's blood.
C) The dialysate must contain electrolytes in a concentration higher than in the patient's blood.
D) The dialysate must not contain electrolytes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For effective hemodialysis, the dialysate must contain electrolytes in a concentration lower than that of the patient's blood. This creates a concentration gradient that allows excess electrolytes to diffuse from the blood across the semipermeable membrane and into the dialysate fluid. If the dialysate contained electrolytes in the same or higher concentration than the patient's blood, there would be no concentration gradient and the dialysis would not effectively remove excess electrolytes. If the dialysate did not contain any electrolytes, there would be no gradient for electrolytes to diffuse across and again the process would not effectively remove excess electrolytes.

In Order for Hemodialysis to Be Effective in Ridding the Body