Final answer:
Improperly primed dialyzers and bloodlines can increase the risk of clotting and rupture of the dialysis access. Option a.
Step-by-step explanation:
Improperly primed dialyzers and bloodlines can increase the risk of clotting and rupture of the dialysis access. When the dialysis machine is not properly primed, it can lead to the formation of blood clots within the dialyzer or bloodlines, which can obstruct the flow of blood and cause a rupture of the dialysis access. This can be dangerous and result in complications for the patient.
Hemodialysis functions by passing a patient's blood through tubing within the dialysis machine, where it is in contact with the dialysate through a semipermeable membrane. This membrane allows urea and certain waste products to diffuse from the blood into the dialysate while preventing larger components, such as red blood cells and proteins, from leaving the blood circulation. This selective permeability ensures that essential components remain in the blood while removing metabolic wastes.