Physiological Principles, Technologies, and Techniques of Hemodialysis

These flashcards cover important concepts, terms, and principles related to hemodialysis, as outlined in the lecture notes.

What is the primary function of the kidneys in maintaining homeostasis?

The kidneys maintain acid-base balance, water balance, electrolyte balance, remove toxins, control blood pressure, and produce erythropoietin and activate vitamin D.

What are the two types of dialysis?

Hemodialysis and Peritoneal dialysis.

What is hemodialysis?

Hemodialysis is a renal replacement therapy where an artificial kidney, called a dialyzer, performs the functions of the kidneys.

What are the key physiological principles of hemodialysis?

Diffusion, ultra filtration, convection, and adsorption.

Define diffusion in the context of hemodialysis.

Diffusion is the movement of solute molecules from a high solute concentration to a low solute concentration until equilibrium is achieved.

What is ultrafiltration in hemodialysis?

Ultrafiltration is the process of using a pressure gradient to remove excess fluid from the blood across a semipermeable membrane.

Explain convection as it relates to hemodialysis.

Convection is the movement of solutes across a semipermeable membrane carried along by the flow of water that is pushed by a pressure gradient.

What is adsorption in hemodialysis?

Adsorption is the process where waste molecules stick to the surface or internal pores of a material (sorbent), removing them from the blood.

What are the components of a dialyzer?

A dialyzer includes a semipermeable membrane, a blood compartment, and a dialysate compartment.

Differentiate between low-flux and high-flux dialyzers.

Low-flux dialyzers have smaller pores and low ultrafiltration coefficients, whereas high-flux dialyzers have larger pores, making them efficient in removing small and larger uremic toxins.

What is the significance of the 'rule of 6' in relation to AV fistulas?

An AV fistula should be 6 mm in diameter, 6 mm or less below the skin, have a blood flow of at least 600 mL/min, and include a straight segment for cannulation that is at least 6 cm long.

What is Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)?

CRRT is mainly used in critically ill patients for renal replacement, utilizing various mechanisms such as convection and diffusion.

What should be monitored in the HD machine during treatment?

Blood pressure, temperature, conductivity, ultrafiltration volume, and it must provide safety alarms.

What is the primary goal of hemo perfusion?

To remove toxins from the blood using the principle of adsorption.

List two types of vascular access methods used in hemodialysis.

Arteriovenous fistula and arteriovenous graft.

What are the components of dialysis water treatment?

Pre-treatment, primary purification, and distribution.

What is the function of the dialysate?

The dialysate facilitates the exchange of wastes and excess fluids during hemodialysis.