Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) Practice Exam

The function of the dialyzer is to filter blood and remove toxins during hemodialysis. The dialyzer, often referred to as an artificial kidney, plays a crucial role in the dialysis process by allowing waste products, excess salts, and toxins to be filtered out of the blood while retaining essential blood components such as red blood cells and proteins.

During hemodialysis, blood is drawn from the patient and passed through the dialyzer, which contains a semipermeable membrane. This membrane allows for the exchange of substances between the blood and a dialysate solution, enabling the elimination of unwanted waste. This filtration process is vital for patients with kidney failure, as their kidneys can no longer perform these functions adequately.

Other answer choices such as administering medications, monitoring vitals, and balancing electrolytes are important aspects of patient care during hemodialysis, but they do not accurately describe the primary function of the dialyzer itself.