In hemodialysis, what is the purpose of dialysate?

Dialysate plays a crucial role in the hemodialysis process by helping to remove waste products from the blood and correcting electrolyte imbalances. During dialysis, blood flows through a dialyzer, also known as an artificial kidney, where it comes into contact with the dialysate. The dialysate is formulated with specific concentrations of electrolytes and other substances, allowing for diffusion to occur across the semipermeable membrane of the dialyzer. This process helps to draw waste products, such as urea and creatinine, out of the blood and into the dialysate, which is eventually discarded.

Moreover, the composition of the dialysate can be adjusted to help manage a patient’s specific electrolyte levels, ensuring that balance is maintained, which is essential for their overall health. Therefore, the primary purpose of dialysate encompasses both the removal of harmful substances and the maintenance of appropriate electrolyte levels, making option C the correct choice.