Final answer:
The medical procedure described is hemodialysis, which is essential for patients with end-stage renal failure to filter out wastes and excess water from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform this function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hemodialysis: The Correct Answer
The patient in question is undergoing hemodialysis, a medical procedure critical for individuals with end-stage renal failure or chronic kidney disease. During hemodialysis, a patient's blood is circulated through a dialysis machine where it passes through tubes lined with a semipermeable membrane. This membrane allows waste products like urea, and excess water to diffuse out of the blood, while preventing larger molecules such as red blood cells and proteins from passing through. The clean blood is then returned to the patient's body, making this an essential life-sustaining process for those with severely compromised kidney function.
Hemodialysis is often performed several times a week, lasting about 3 to 4 hours per session, as it temporarily replaces the filtration function of healthy kidneys. While it's a critical procedure that can extend patients' lives, the ultimate goal for some may be to receive a kidney transplant.
Dialysis technicians are healthcare professionals specialized in operating dialysis machines and ensuring the safety and efficiency of the hemodialysis process. They play an integral role in the management of kidney failure. Dialysis is not only crucial for immediate patient well-being but also acts as a bridge to kidney transplantation for eligible individuals.