Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

What is dialysate a mixture of?

1. Acid, Bicarbonate, Water

2. Acid, Base, Water

3. Salt, Bicarbonate, Water

4. Acid, Sugar, Water

The correct answer is: Acid, Bicarbonate, Water

Dialysate is an essential component used in the dialysis process, and its formulation is crucial for effectively removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood while maintaining electrolyte balance. The correct mixture that constitutes dialysate includes acid, bicarbonate, and water. The acid in the dialysate helps to create an acidic environment that can facilitate the removal of certain waste products from the blood, while bicarbonate serves to provide a critical buffering capability. This buffering action is vital for maintaining acid-base homeostasis in patients undergoing dialysis, as many kidney patients can become acidotic due to the accumulation of metabolic acids. Water acts as the solvent that dissolves these components, allowing for their proper interaction during dialysis treatment. Considering the other options: The inclusion of a base without bicarbonate would compromise the buffering capacity necessary for effective dialysis. Similarly, the presence of sugar or salt in a context unrelated to electrolyte balance would lack therapeutic value in the dialysate used during treatments. Therefore, the accurate components in the composition of dialysate are indeed acid, bicarbonate, and water.