During peritoneal dialysis, what is primarily removed from the bloodstream?

Peritoneal dialysis primarily focuses on the removal of excess water and wastes from the bloodstream. In this form of dialysis, a special fluid is introduced into the peritoneal cavity. This solution, called dialysate, facilitates the exchange of waste products and excess fluid from the blood vessels surrounding the peritoneal cavity into the fluid, which is then drained away.

During the process, waste materials such as urea and creatinine, which build up in the body due to kidney dysfunction, are effectively removed. Additionally, excess water that may accumulate due to fluid overload in patients with kidney failure is also extracted to maintain a healthy balance in body fluids. This mechanism is critical as it helps alleviate symptoms of renal failure and maintains a stable internal environment.

The other options, while relevant in certain contexts, do not accurately encapsulate the primary focus of peritoneal dialysis. Proteins, for instance, are typically retained in the bloodstream, as their loss could lead to significant complications. Electrolytes are indeed balanced during the dialysis process but aren't the primary target for removal. Oxygen does not play a role in this dialysis method, as it's not a waste product that accumulates from renal insufficiency. Therefore, the focus of peritoneal dialysis is chiefly on