Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CCHT Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary function of hemodialysis is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood. This process is crucial for patients with kidney failure or severe kidney dysfunction, where the kidneys are unable to effectively filter out these harmful substances. Hemodialysis utilizes a dialysis machine and a special filter called a dialyzer, which acts as an artificial kidney, to remove urea, creatinine, and other toxins from the blood while also balancing electrolytes.

This process not only helps to clear waste products but also plays a vital role in managing fluid balance in the body. Patients often experience an accumulation of fluid due to their kidneys' inability to excrete it, and hemodialysis effectively removes this excess fluid, helping to prevent complications like hypertension and pulmonary edema.

In contrast, fluid replacement is not a primary goal of this therapy; instead, the focus is on removing excess fluid. Administering medication directly into the bloodstream or enhancing red blood cell production are not functions of hemodialysis, though they may be relevant in the overall management of a dialysis patient. Thus, option B best describes the central purpose of hemodialysis.