What is the main purpose of dialysis?

The primary goal of dialysis is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions adequately. Dialysis mimics the natural filtration process that healthy kidneys perform, clearing the body of toxins, urea, creatinine, and excess salts and fluids. This process is essential for individuals with renal failure, who can experience dangerous imbalances of electrolytes and fluids within their bodies without it.

While enhancing kidney function and stabilizing blood pressure are important in patient care, they are not the direct purposes of dialysis itself. Similarly, increasing blood circulation, while beneficial to overall health, does not pertain to the specific function of dialysis, which focuses primarily on filtration and waste removal. Understanding the role of dialysis in managing renal failure is crucial for anyone involved in patient care, as it directly impacts treatment outcomes and patient quality of life.