Word parts
What it means
A mix of purified water, electrolytes and usually glucose. In hemodialysis it flows past the client's blood on the other side of a filter; in peritoneal dialysis it is run into the belly and later drained. Waste moves from the blood into the fluid, and the strength of the fluid controls how much water is removed.
For the nurse
For peritoneal dialysis, warm the fluid only as directed (never in a microwave), keep the steps sterile, and record what goes in and what drains out. Report cloudy drainage, which can mean peritonitis. ISMP lists dialysis solutions as high-alert.
In a chart
"2 L dialysate infused, dwell 4 hours, 2.4 L clear yellow effluent drained."
At a glance
| Also written | dialysis solution, dialysis solutions, dialysate solution |
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Related terms
chronic kidney disease
Kidney damage or reduced kidney function that lasts longer than three months.
dialysis
A treatment that removes wastes and extra fluid from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do it.
renal
Relating to the kidneys.