Why is it crucial for a patient to stay for the entire treatment time in dialysis?

The importance of a patient staying for the entire treatment time in dialysis is fundamentally tied to ensuring that the treatment can adequately replace a significant portion of kidney function. Dialysis is designed to perform the essential functions that healthy kidneys would normally carry out, such as filtering waste products from the blood, balancing electrolytes, and managing fluid levels. If a patient does not complete the full treatment duration, they may not receive enough dialysis to efficiently remove toxins and excess fluid, leading to potential health risks and complications.

In cases where the remaining kidney function is less than 15%, the necessity for effective dialysis becomes even more pronounced. Inadequate dialysis can contribute to a buildup of harmful substances in the blood and increase the likelihood of symptoms related to kidney failure. Therefore, remaining for the entire session is crucial to ensure that the treatment is effective in maintaining the patient's health and stability.