Question

If the client absorbs too much of the dialysate, the client will experience:

a) Hyperkalemia
b) Hypokalemia
c) Acidosis
d) Alkalosis

Answer 1

a) Hyperkalemia

Excessive absorption of dialysate can lead to hyperkalemia, a dangerous elevation in blood potassium levels commonly associated with kidney failure and dialysis treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the client absorbs too much of the dialysate, the resulting condition would likely be hyperkalemia. This condition occurs in scenarios such as renal failure, severe dehydration, and Addison's disease due to decreased excretion of potassium (K) by the kidney. Hyperkalemia in the context of dialysis is particularly concerning because the kidneys are already impaired and the removal of potassium is one of the key functions of dialysis. If the dialysate, which is the fluid used to remove waste products from the blood, is absorbed in excess, it suggests an imbalance in the processes that control electrolyte levels, leading to elevated levels of potassium in the blood.