Final answer:
To evaluate dialysis treatment adequacy, crucial laboratory values such as blood urea nitrogen, blood urea, plasma creatinine, and electrolytes need to be examined. The specific gravity of urine from a concentration test with pituitrine is also assessed to understand the kidney's ability to concentrate urine effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Evaluating Dialysis Treatment Adequacy
To determine the adequacy of dialysis treatment, it is essential to evaluate specific laboratory values. The assessment of renal function typically involves blood tests measuring blood urea nitrogen (BUN), blood urea, and plasma creatinine levels. For instance, normal BUN levels range from 8-20 mg/dl, while plasma creatinine levels should typically be 0.8-1.2 mg/dl for males, and 0.6-0.9 mg/dl for females.
Additionally, the analysis of electrolytes in blood plasma such as sodium, potassium, and chloride is crucial, as these are routinely analyzed in urine samples during dialysis treatment. Also, the 24-hour urine collection for calcium and phosphate can provide a clear picture of these ions' excretion rates. The concentration of bicarbonate is monitored because it is conserved by the kidneys, rather than excreted in urine.
Further tests like urine osmolality, glucose, total protein, albumin, and electrolyte levels can inform about the kidney's filter efficiency and its ability to concentrate urine. A concentration test is performed using substances like pituitrine to determine the kidney's reabsorption capabilities, measured by urine specific gravity.