Final answer:
Factors that can compromise the adequacy of a dialysis treatment include inadequate dialysate quality, poor blood flow, damaged or clogged dialyzer, patient noncompliance, and infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The adequacy of a dialysis treatment may be compromised by various factors:
- Inadequate dialysate quality: If the dialysate used in the dialysis machine is contaminated or has incorrect electrolyte concentrations, it can lead to inadequate removal of wastes and excess water.
- Poor blood flow: If the blood flow rate through the dialysis machine is too low, it can limit the effectiveness of waste removal.
- Damaged or clogged dialyzer: The dialyzer, which contains the semipermeable membrane, can become damaged or clogged over time, reducing its ability to remove waste molecules.
- Patient noncompliance: If the patient does not adhere to the recommended dialysis schedule, it can result in inadequate treatment.
- Infections: Infections can affect the overall health and functioning of the kidneys, potentially compromising the adequacy of dialysis treatment.
Additionally, factors like hemodilution, malnutrition, and liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, can affect the efficiency of the dialysis process.
During hemodialysis, a patient's blood is passed through a dialyzer, where waste molecules and excess water are filtered out into the dialysate, a specially formulated solution designed for the waste removal process. This process is crucial for the survival of patients with kidney failure and must be carefully monitored to ensure that the dialysis treatment is effective in removing harmful urea and maintaining the balance of electrolytes and water in the body.