Which of the following is a documented consequence of dialysate being too hot?

• A. hypotension
• B. hemolysis
• C. hypoglycemia
• D. hyperkalemia

Answer: (B)

Excessively hot dialysate transfers enough heat to the blood that red blood cell membranes can become damaged and rupture. This rupture releases hemoglobin into the plasma, a process known as hemolysis. That direct effect on blood cells is why hemolysis is the documented consequence of dialysate being too hot. Dialysate is normally kept near body temperature to minimize thermal stress on cells and maintain stable blood components during treatment.