Bicarbonate is added to the dialysate to help maintain the patient's what?

Bicarbonate is added to the dialysate to help maintain the patient's what?

• A. PH
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Oxygen saturation
• D. Glucose level

Answer: (A)

Bicarbonate in the dialysate acts as a buffer to keep the blood pH within the normal range during dialysis. In kidney failure, acids accumulate and the body tends toward metabolic acidosis; bicarbonate from the dialysate diffuses into the blood, neutralizing excess acid and preventing the blood from becoming too acidic. This helps ensure that enzyme function and cellular processes proceed normally. It doesn’t directly determine blood pressure, oxygen saturation, or glucose levels, which are influenced by fluid status, lung function, and metabolic factors respectively.

Bicarbonate in the dialysate acts as a buffer to keep the blood pH within the normal range during dialysis. In kidney failure, acids accumulate and the body tends toward metabolic acidosis; bicarbonate from the dialysate diffuses into the blood, neutralizing excess acid and preventing the blood from becoming too acidic. This helps ensure that enzyme function and cellular processes proceed normally. It doesn’t directly determine blood pressure, oxygen saturation, or glucose levels, which are influenced by fluid status, lung function, and metabolic factors respectively.