Dialysis solutions use which buffer to help treat metabolic acidosis?

• A. Potassium chloride
• B. Calcium carbonate
• C. Sodium chloride
• D. Sodium bicarbonate

Answer: (D)

Dialysis solutions use a buffering component to correct metabolic acidosis by supplying bicarbonate. In kidney failure, the body can’t excrete enough acid, so the blood becomes too acidic. The dialysate contains bicarbonate, which diffuses into the patient’s blood while hydrogen ions move into the dialysate. The added bicarbonate neutralizes excess hydrogen ions, forming carbonic acid that is converted to CO2 and water; CO2 is then removed by the lungs. This helps raise the patient’s serum bicarbonate toward normal.

Other options don’t serve as the dialysate buffer. Potassium chloride adds electrolytes but not buffering capacity. Calcium carbonate is not used as the dialysate buffer. Sodium chloride mainly adjusts sodium and chloride levels and does not provide bicarbonate to counter acidosis.