What might happen if water flows back into the feed line during dialysis treatment?

When water flows back into the feed line during a dialysis treatment, several significant issues can arise, leading to all the consequences mentioned. Increased blood pressure can occur due to changes in fluid balance and pressure dynamics within the dialysis circuit. This backflow might also introduce contaminants into the system, raising the risk of infection as pathogens can be drawn into the bloodstream through the dialysis machine.

Moreover, treatment failure can occur as the dialysis process relies on the proper flow and filtration of blood and dialysate. If water flows back into the feed line, it can disrupt the balance and the effectiveness of the dialysis treatment, potentially resulting in inadequate removal of waste products and electrolytes from the patient’s blood.

Thus, experiencing water backflow in the feed line can lead to a combination of increased blood pressure, an elevated risk of infection, and ultimately treatment failure, making the answer comprehensive and appropriate.