Question

Use of an artificial kidney during hemodialysis may result in:
(a) Nitrogenous waste build-up in the body
(b) Non-elimination of excess potassium ions
(c) Reduced absorption of calcium ions from gastro-intestinal tract
(d) Reduced RBC production

Which of the following options is the most appropriate?

• A. (a) and (d) are correct
• B. (a) and (b) are correct
• C. (b) and (c) are correct
• D. (c) and (d) are correct

Answer 1

The correct option is D (c) and (d) are correct

Kidney failure can result in accumulation of harmful substances in the body that can be fatal. Such patients usually undergo a procedure called hemodialysis to remove wastes from the body.

Dialysis eliminates urea and potassium from the body, hence statements (a) and (b) are incorrect.

As phosphate ions are also eliminated during dialysis, calcium ions are eliminated along with it. So, there will be reduced absorption of calcium ions from the gastrointestinal tract.

RBC production is also reduced due to reduced erythropoietin hormone which is produced by the kidney.

Hence statements (c) and (d) are correct.