About how much dialysate is typically maintained in the peritoneal cavity during CAPD?

About how much dialysate is typically maintained in the peritoneal cavity during CAPD?

• A. 0.25 L
• B. 0.5 L
• C. 1 L
• D. 2 L

Answer: (A)

In CAPD, the dialysate volume must be enough to fill the peritoneal cavity so the peritoneal membrane has ample surface contact for diffusion and ultrafiltration. For an average adult, the usual fill volume per exchange is about 1.5 to 2 liters, commonly around 2 liters. A very small volume, like 0.25 liter, would leave too little dialysate in the cavity to achieve effective waste removal and fluid elimination—the diffusion gradient and the amount of contact with the membrane would be insufficient. That’s why the typical practice uses a much larger volume, with smaller volumes reserved for very small patients or children.

In CAPD, the dialysate volume must be enough to fill the peritoneal cavity so the peritoneal membrane has ample surface contact for diffusion and ultrafiltration. For an average adult, the usual fill volume per exchange is about 1.5 to 2 liters, commonly around 2 liters. A very small volume, like 0.25 liter, would leave too little dialysate in the cavity to achieve effective waste removal and fluid elimination—the diffusion gradient and the amount of contact with the membrane would be insufficient. That’s why the typical practice uses a much larger volume, with smaller volumes reserved for very small patients or children.