NCLEX RN Quiz # 1010

NCLEX Examination.

Practice Question # 1010.

Dialysis is used to remove fluid and uremic waste products from the body when the kidneys cannot do so. It may also be used to treat patients with edema that does not respond to treatment, hepatic coma, hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia, hypertension, and uremia. Methods of therapy include hemodialysis, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT; discussed later), and various forms of peritoneal dialysis. The need for dialysis may be acute or chronic.

Acute dialysis is indicated when there is a high and rising level of serum potassium, fluid overload, or impending pulmonary edema, increasing acidosis, pericarditis, and severe confusion. It may also be used to remove certain medications or other toxins (poisoning or medication overdose) from the blood.