What is the primary goal of hemodialysis treatment?

Prepare for the DaVita CCHT Exam with quizzes and study tools. Dive deep into hemodialysis topics and get expert-level practice. Excel on your certification exam!

The primary goal of hemodialysis treatment is to remove toxins and excess fluid from the body. This is crucial for patients with kidney failure, as their kidneys are no longer able to effectively filter waste products and maintain proper fluid balance. Hemodialysis serves to replicate some of the filtration functions of healthy kidneys by allowing blood to be taken from the body, processed through a dialyzer (artificial kidney) where waste products and excess fluids are removed, and then returned to the body.

Removing toxins and excess fluid helps to prevent complications such as fluid overload, which can lead to high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, and build-up of harmful substances like urea and creatinine in the blood, which can cause a range of health issues. While correcting electrolyte imbalances, stabilizing blood pressure, and enhancing kidney function are important ancillary effects of the treatment, the primary focus remains on detoxifying the blood and managing fluid volume. Therefore, the core purpose of hemodialysis aligns directly with the aim of effectively removing these harmful substances from the patient's system.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy