What can cause hypotension during dialysis treatment?

Rapid removal of excess fluid during dialysis treatment can lead to hypotension due to the significant changes in blood volume and pressure that occur. When excess fluid is removed too quickly, it can decrease the plasma volume, leading to a drop in blood pressure. The rapid shift can cause the cardiovascular system to struggle to maintain adequate perfusion to organs, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, or fainting. This mechanism is a well-understood phenomenon in dialysis patients, especially those with underlying cardiovascular issues or those who are volume overloaded.

The other options, while they have relevance to patient management during dialysis, do not directly explain the common cause of hypotension during treatment. Low blood pressure pre-treatment indicates a baseline issue that requires monitoring but does not directly result from the dialysis process itself. Excessive medication prior to treatment and high sodium levels can create complications but are not primary causes of hypotension during the fluid removal process of dialysis.