Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

The correct answer notes that the two compartments of the dialyzer are blood and dialysate. In the functioning of a dialyzer, also known as an artificial kidney, these two compartments are essential for the dialysis process to occur.

The blood compartment is where the patient's blood flows, allowing it to be cleansed of waste products and excess fluids. Blood is pumped into this space and comes in direct contact with the semi-permeable membrane of the dialyzer.

On the other side, the dialysate compartment contains a special fluid designed to remove toxins and waste from the blood. The composition of the dialysate is carefully balanced to facilitate the diffusion of waste products from the blood compartment into the dialysate as a result of concentration gradients.

This process is essential for effective dialysis treatment, ensuring that the patient's blood is filtered properly. Understanding these two compartments is fundamental for anyone involved in dialysis, as it helps in grasping how toxins are removed and how the treatment functions overall.