What adjustment to the dialysis machine can help lower hypertension in a patient receiving acute dialysis?

Using ultrafiltration in dialysis can effectively help to lower hypertension in patients undergoing acute dialysis. Hypertension in these patients often arises from fluid overload and the body's inability to eliminate excess fluid, particularly in cases of acute kidney injury.

By increasing the ultrafiltration rate during dialysis, excess fluid can be removed from the patient's body, leading to a reduction in blood volume. As the blood volume decreases, there is a corresponding decrease in blood pressure, which can help manage hypertension effectively.

While infusion of normal saline may actually contribute to fluid overload and exacerbate hypertension, and blood transfusions may not address the underlying issue of fluid overload, the use of ultrafiltration directly targets the excess fluid that is a common culprit in hypertensive episodes during dialysis. Additionally, while cardiotonic drugs can support heart function, they do not directly resolve fluid management, making ultrafiltration the most appropriate adjustment in this scenario.