Renal Replacement Therapy

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Renal Replacement Therapy By: Shalandra Williams ITT-Tech Breckenridge School of Nursing Due: 11/17/14 Hemodialysis | | | There are multiple causes for kidney failure and kidney disease. Since the function of the kidneys are needed to maintain body vitality, a series of different treatments and medications may be tried. If treatments are unsuccessful, the option of dialysis is given. There are two forms of dialysis. The two forms of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Either form of dialysis presents with advantages and disadvantages. Hemodialysis is the process of removing toxins and excess fluid from the blood and tissues by continually circulating your blood through a filter. The filter, known as a dialyzer (artificial kidney), is used with an artificial kidney machine. The amount of blood circulating through the artificial kidney at any given time is less than a cup. The dialyzer has two compartments separated by a membrane that is semipermeable. A solution called dialysate circulates on one side of the membrane and blood flows through the other side. Dialysate is made up of water, sugar, and chemicals, which make it similar to normal body fluids without toxins. Hemodialysis is generally performed three times a week for approximately 3 to 4 1/2 hours. Your doctor will prescribe how long your treatment will be. Hemodialysis can be performed in a dialysis facility by nurses and trained technicians. Nocturnal hemodialysis is a form of dialysis that is done at night for an average of eight hours while you sleep. Like hemodialysis, it can be performed in a dialysis facility by nurses and trained technicians, or if you qualify, can be performed at home. This modality is called Nocturnal Home Hemodialysis. When nocturnal is performed in a dialysis facility, it is three times a week. If done at home, it’s every other day.

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