Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test

The main types of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis involves using a machine and a filter, called a dialyzer, to clean the blood outside the body. This method typically takes place in a dialysis center or at home and usually requires several treatments each week. It is effective for patients with kidney failure and functions by removing waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream, mimicking the natural filtration process of healthy kidneys.

Peritoneal dialysis, on the other hand, takes place inside the body. It utilizes the peritoneum, a membrane lining the abdominal cavity, as a natural filter. During this process, a special fluid is introduced into the abdominal cavity through a catheter, allowing waste products and excess fluid to be absorbed from the blood vessels in the peritoneum. This type of dialysis can be performed manually or using a machine and offers greater flexibility for patients who desire to perform their own dialysis at home.

The other options focus on classifications or different aspects of dialysis rather than the primary methods used for renal replacement therapy, making them less relevant in determining the main types of dialysis.