What does 'priming' the dialysis machine involve?

Priming the dialysis machine is a crucial step that involves filling the dialysis circuit with sterile saline to remove any air bubbles. This process is essential because air in the circuit can lead to complications such as air embolism, which can be dangerous for the patient. By using sterile saline, the healthcare team ensures that the entire system is filled with fluid, maintaining the integrity of the treatment and ensuring that the machine is ready to deliver dialysis safely and effectively.

The other options represent different aspects of operating a dialysis machine, but they do not accurately define the specific process of priming. Connecting the patient to the machine is typically done after priming has been completed. Adjusting machine settings and testing machine function are part of the overall preparation and monitoring of dialysis but do not specifically relate to the act of removing air and preparing the circuit for blood flow.