Question

Which fluid or electrolyte imbalance is best treated with dialysis?

1) Hyperkalemia
2) Fluid volume deficit
3) Hyponatremia
4) Blood loss

Answer 1

The best treatment for hyperkalemia is dialysis, which helps remove excess potassium from blood. Other imbalances like fluid volume deficit and hyponatremia are usually managed with fluid replacement, whereas blood loss is treated with transfusion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fluid or electrolyte imbalance that is best treated with dialysis is hyperkalemia, which is a condition characterized by abnormally increased blood levels of potassium. Hyperkalemia can occur in patients with conditions such as renal failure, severe dehydration, and Addison's disease due to decreased excretion of potassium by the kidneys. Dialysis helps in removing excess potassium from the bloodstream, effectively reducing the high levels. Fluid volume deficit and hyponatremia are typically treated with appropriate fluid and electrolyte replacement, while blood loss requires blood transfusion depending on the severity of the loss.