Why is dextrose added to dialysate?

Dextrose is added to dialysate primarily to prevent hypoglycemia. During dialysis, patients can experience changes in their blood glucose levels. The process of dialysis can remove not only waste products and excess fluids but also glucose from the bloodstream, leading to potentially low blood sugar levels. By incorporating dextrose into the dialysate, it serves as a source of carbohydrates that can help maintain adequate blood glucose levels, thus preventing hypoglycemia.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the purpose of adding dextrose. Enhancing flavor is not a concern in medical treatments where the focus is on patient safety and health outcomes. Increasing sodium concentration is unrelated, as the primary goal of dextrose is not to modify sodium levels but to support glucose homeostasis. Stabilizing blood pressure may be a consideration in dialysis treatment, but dextrose specifically is not added for this purpose; rather, it is more about managing blood sugar levels during the procedure.