Biology
Homeostatic imbalances a person on dialysis might face
Homeostasis enables body systems of a human being to function as expected because of proper temperature regulation. On the other hand, dialysis is the process by which waste products are excreted from our bodies artificially by means of diffusion (Marieb et al., 2007). The process of removal of waste products in a healthy person is facilitated by kidneys. However, those individuals who suffer from kidney failure experiences problems with waste removal thus dialysis has to be applied (Walter, 2003).
While dialysis is in process, individuals with renal failure tend to record several homeostatic imbalances. One of the major effects is electrolyte imbalance and this eventually leads to various conditions. For instance, a condition termed as hyperkalemia may occur if calcium levels exceed the amount that can be excreted. Another condition that may arise in the course of dialysis is arrhythmias (Marieb et al., 2007). This can lead to electrolyte imbalance as well as change in homeostasis of acid and base. Other conditions occurring due to increased removal of fluid volumes include low blood pressure, cramping as well as muscle spasms (Walter, 2003). During dialysis, there is tendency of damage to the normal net filtration pressure due to increased membrane permeability and this as well leads to homeostatic imbalance.
Although the rise in temperate of the body happens not to be most common during dialysis, it is important to monitor this factor in order to curb chances of infection as the process of dialysis continues. Dialysis causes biochemical and toxic effects as a result of hemolysis and this may destroy red blood cells. Other homeostatic imbalances include thrombosis, dehydration, and hypertension. Since most of our body systems functions through regulation by enzymes, body temperature regulation is important for proper functioning of these enzymes (Marieb et al., 2007). It is advisable to take enough rest, engage in body exercises and take a well balanced diet to maintain homeostatic balance.
Connection between salt and water in maintaining blood volume and in blood changes
The connection between water and salt in our body is that the two play a key role in determination of the volume of blood. Blood volume is mainly determined by the amount of salt and water ingested in our body, excreted to urine by kidneys and subsequently lost via lungs, skin and other GITs (Smith, 2008). The volume of blood in our body is not constant due to variability in the amount water and salt that is ingested and excreted. To maintain blood volume within the recommended range, the kidneys functions to regulate both the amount of salt and water that is excreted to urine (Smith, 2008).
The main mechanism deployed by the kidneys when regulation the volume of blood in our bodies is through adjusting the amount of salt and water excreted to the urine. For instance, when the volume of blood increases above normal range, the pressure on the blood arteries also increases leading increased renal perfusion (Graaff, 2002). As the rate of glomerular filtration rises, the amount of water and salt excreted to urine also rises thus reducing the volume of blood to the normal range. In instances where the blood volumes tend to decrease below the normal range, the rate of glomerular filtration happens to decrease due to both decreased arterial blood pressure and renal perfusion. This functions to reduce the amount of water and salt that is lost to the urine thus increasing the blood volume to normal. This mechanism of blood volume regulation is known as pressure natriuresis (Graaff, 2002). Other mechanisms that function to maintain blood volume actually utilizes the same principle though they are regulated by various hormones and enzymes.
References
Graaff, V. (2002). Human Anatomy, Sixth Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Marieb, Elaine N. & Hoehn, Katja (2007). Human Anatomy & Physiology (Seventh ed.). San
Francisco, CA: Pearson Benjamin Cummings.
Smith, P. (2008). The Role of the Kidney. Department of Clinical Dental Sciences,The University of
Liverpool.
Walter F.B. (2003). Medical Physiology: A Cellular And Molecular Approaoch.
Elsevier/Saunders.
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