Hemodialysis Quiz

Kidney Malfunction and Urea Accumulation

• Kidneys are responsible for filtering blood and removing waste, including urea.
• When kidney malfunction occurs, urea accumulates in the blood, leading to a condition known as uremia.

Urea Removal Methods

• Urea can be removed from the blood in patients with kidney malfunction through dialysis.
• The unit used for this process is referred to as an artificial kidney or dialyzer.

Hemodialysis Process

• During hemodialysis, anticoagulants are added to the blood drained from an artery to prevent clotting.
• The composition of the dialysing fluid includes electrolytes, glucose, and bicarbonate, which help balance blood chemistry during the process.

Mechanism of Filtration

• In the artificial kidney, the passage of molecules is facilitated by a semipermeable membrane, which allows for the movement of waste based on the concentration gradient.

Blood Return and Treatment

• The cleared blood is pumped back to the body using a blood pump.
• The ultimate method for correcting acute renal failures is often a kidney transplant.

Kidney Stone Formation

• The formation of insoluble masses of crystallized salts within the kidney is known as nephrolithiasis or kidney stones.

Test your knowledge on hemodialysis and its role in removing urea from the blood. Learn about the process of using an artificial kidney to treat uremia and prevent kidney failure.