Dialyse or Die Trivia Quiz

Answer: all of these

Although there are signs and symptoms of early renal failure, more often than not it remains undetected until a medical check up. So the advice is: see your doctor regularly.

Answer: creatinine

Creatinine is the waste product from muscle. When the creatinine level reaches about 900mg/ml, the doctor will recommend dialysis. Creatinines are not poisons but merely the most common way to detect kidney failure.

Answer: False

Dialysis means the replacement of the excretory functions of the kidneys by artificial means. The two most common dialysis treatments are haemodialysis and peritoneal dyalysis. During haemodialysis, a machine acts as a kidney and filters the blood. Haemodialysis is usually performed in a hospital or centre but recent developments have allowed this process to be completed in the home. Peritoneal dyalysis occurs inside the body, using the body's own natural peritoneal membrane as a filter Peritoneal dialysis can be performed at any location which is free of infection.

Another action is termed conservative treatment where no action is taken at all and the patient lets nature takes its course.

Answer: walk around

Haemodialysis is performed three times a week and usually takes about four - five hours whilst peritoneal dialysis is performed four times a day and each session takes about 30 minutes. As the tube is inserted into the patient (usually the arm), the patient is restricted to a chair. However any other activities are allowed.

Answer: True

Healthy kidneys remove waste from foods. However if kidneys are not functioning, waste products build up in the blood stream and you may become lethargic or feel nauseous. Certain foods need to be avoided, such as those containing too much salt and potassium.

Answer: milk

When kidneys are not functioning, high levels of phosphate accumulate in the blood and can cause itching, sore eyes and cramping. Other foods high in phosphate include: chocolate, cola, beans and nuts. Most renal patients take phosphate binders with food such as calcium supplements.

Answer: Their urine output ceases.

As the kidney deteriorates, renal patients lose the ability to pass urine. This means there is a build up of fluid in your body. Renal patients are allowed 500ml/day plus urine output. Most dialysis patients eventually lose all urine output. Some ways to overcome this aggravation are to chew gum or suck on ice.

Answer: all of these

Low blood pressure occurs when too much fluid is removed from the blood during haemodialysys and can cause dizziness. Muscle cramps, usually in the legs, can be quite painful and its cause varies from patient to patient. Itching is not so common and usually indicates the presence of high phosphorous.

Answer: anyone who is legally competent

Kidneys for transplantation can come from two sources: living donors and cadaveric donors. Living donors are usually close relatives but recent developments have introduced the concept of kidney exchange where friends and distant relatives may become a potential donor. In Australia, it is illegal to sell body organs and the average waiting time is about three - four years.

Some countries have adopted an 'opt out' system where consent is assumed unless you state otherwise.

Answer: mood swings

After a transplant, some of the more common side effects to immunosuppressive drugs are increased weight, hair growth, mood swings and indigestion. Also transplant patients are at a greater risk of sun cancer. But I have been on dialysis for almost two years and the possible side effects far outweigh thrice weekly haemodialysis.