Kidney Failure

Question 1

What happens if kidneys don’t work properly

Answer 1

Waste substances build up and lose ability to control levels of ions and water -results in death

Question 2

How does a Dialysis machine work

Answer 2

-persons blood flows between partially permeable membranes surrounded by dialysis fluid
-it’s permeable to ions and waste substances but not big molecules like proteins
Dialysis fluid has same conc as dissolved ions and glucose as healthy blood-useful ions not lost
Only waster substance and excess ions and water diffuse

Question 3

Why is a dialysis machine a struggle for patients

Answer 3

-Have to do a session 3 times a week for 3-4 hours
-may cause blood clots or infections
-expensive for NHS
-not pleasant experience

Question 4

What is the only cure for kidney failure

Answer 4

Kidney transplant

Question 5

What is a risk of kidney transplants

Answer 5

-may be rejected by immune system but patient is put on drugs to prevent happening
-people who are alive and donate a kidney may suffer small risk