Manitoba Nephrology Nurse Practice Test

Hemodialysis is a medical procedure specifically designed to filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are unable to function adequately. This process involves the use of a dialysis machine, which acts as an artificial kidney. During hemodialysis, blood is drawn from the body and passed through a dialyzer, or artificial kidney, where it is cleansed of toxins, excess salts, and other impurities before being returned to the body. This method is crucial for patients with chronic kidney disease or acute kidney failure, as it helps maintain their body’s balance of electrolytes and fluid levels.

Engaging in a specialized diet typically supports kidney function but is not the direct mechanism of hemodialysis. Similarly, surgically removing the kidneys is a treatment option for severe kidney disease but is unrelated to the hemodialysis process itself. Monitoring blood pressure is an important aspect of patient care, particularly in those with kidney disease, but it does not define what hemodialysis is or how it functions. Thus, the correct understanding of hemodialysis centers around its role in filtering and cleansing the blood.