Kidney failure

Question 1

What does kidney failure lead to?

Answer 1

• A build of waste susbtances in the bloodstream
• Patient will be unable to regulate water and ion levels, meaning they would feel ill and could die

Question 2

Explain the process of kidney dialysis

Answer 2

• Blood passes from patient into machine and back into patient
• When blood is in machine, it comes into contact with dialysis fluid through a partially permeable machine (small molecules can diffuse across)
• Dialysis fluid contains the perfect amount of substances (no urea)
• Therefore, excess substances in blood will diffuse across due to concentration gradient
• To maintain a strong concentration gradient, dialysis fluid is constantly being changed (new fluid in through bottom, old fluid out through top)

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of kidney dialysis?

Answer 3

• Very time taking: 3-4 times a week for 3-4 hours
• Unpleasent experience
• Can lead to blood clots and/or infections
• Expensive to run
• Patient will require for lifetime

Question 4

Explain the process of kidney transplant and its pros and cons

Answer 4

• Healthy kidney from donor is transplanted to patiens
• Risks: surgical risks, risk of rejection
• Immune system can be surpressed using medication to reduce risk of rejection
• Pros: cheaper than dialysis
• Cons: lots of risks, shortage of donors