What effect does excessively hot dialysate have?

Excessively hot dialysate can lead to hemolysis, which is the destruction of red blood cells. When the temperature of the dialysate is too high, it can cause the red blood cells to become unstable and rupture. Heat can lead to an increase in metabolic activity and stress on the cells, further exacerbating the situation. In hemodialysis, maintaining appropriate dialysate temperature is crucial for patient safety and comfort, as well as for the function of the dialysis process.

In contrast, the other options—air embolism, hypertension, and hypokalemia—are related to different issues during dialysis and do not directly result from hot dialysate. Therefore, recognizing the specific consequences of temperature during dialysis is important for both technicians and patients to avoid complications.