Certified Hemodialysis Technician Practice Exam

Potassium is commonly removed from the blood during hemodialysis due to its critical role in regulating heart and muscle function. In patients with kidney failure, the kidneys are unable to adequately filter and excrete potassium, leading to hyperkalemia, which can be life-threatening. Hemodialysis serves as an artificial means of kidney function, where potassium, among other waste products and excess substances, is removed from the bloodstream to manage levels safely.

Glucose, while it may be influenced in dialysis settings, is not typically a substance removed during hemodialysis since it is a vital source of energy and is usually managed through dietary and pharmacological means. Oxygen is not filtered out during the process, as it is essential for cellular respiration and is supplied through the patient's lungs. Proteins generally remain in the bloodstream during dialysis because they are large molecules that do not pass through the dialysis membrane effectively, with the exception of some smaller proteins in specific conditions, such as nephrotic syndrome. Therefore, potassium's removal is a significant aspect of preventing complications associated with kidney disorders during treatment.