Hemodialysis is performed for which of the following reasons?

Hemodialysis is a medical procedure that replaces the filtering function of the kidneys in patients with kidney failure. It serves several critical functions to maintain the body’s homeostasis, which is crucial for patients who cannot adequately filter waste products, excess fluid, and imbalanced electrolytes on their own.

The procedure is performed primarily for volume regulation by removing excess fluid from the bloodstream, which helps to prevent complications such as hypertension and congestive heart failure that can occur from fluid overload.

Additionally, hemodialysis provides acid-base control by removing acids from the blood, helping to maintain a normal pH level. This is essential because the kidneys typically manage acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate.

Electrolyte regulation is another essential function of hemodialysis. The procedure helps to balance electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and calcium, which can become dangerously imbalanced in patients with kidney failure. This regulation is vital for preventing conditions like hyperkalemia, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac issues.

Since hemodialysis encompasses all these functions—volume regulation, acid-base control, and electrolyte regulation—the correct response includes all of the above. Each function plays a significant role in how hemod