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Where is the heparin pump infusion line positioned in relation to the dialyzer?

  1. On the venous tubing after the dialyzer

  2. On the arterial tubing before the dialyzer

  3. Between the dialyzer and the blood pump

  4. Integrated within the dialyzer casing

The correct answer is: On the arterial tubing before the dialyzer

The correct positioning of the heparin pump infusion line is on the arterial tubing before the dialyzer. This placement is crucial because it ensures that heparin, an anticoagulant, is administered into the blood before it enters the dialyzer. By infusing heparin at this point, it effectively prevents the clotting of blood within the dialyzer, allowing for uninterrupted blood flow and adequate dialysis. If heparin were given after the dialyzer, it would not prevent clotting within the dialyzer itself, which could lead to complications such as reduced efficiency of the dialysis treatment or damage to the dialyzer membrane. Proper positioning before the onset of filtration ensures that the anticoagulant works effectively throughout the entire process.