What serious side effect occurs if chlorine crosses the dialyzer membrane?

When chlorine crosses the dialyzer membrane into the bloodstream during dialysis, it can lead to a serious condition known as hemolysis. This occurs because chlorine is a potent oxidizing agent that can damage red blood cells. The exposure of these cells to chlorine can result in their rupture, which subsequently releases hemoglobin into the bloodstream, leading to a decrease in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Hemolysis can manifest as various clinical symptoms, including jaundice, dark urine, and elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase in the plasma, among other signs of intravascular hemolysis. The occurrence of hemolysis is particularly concerning in a dialysis setting, where maintaining the integrity of red blood cells is crucial for the patient's health and well-being.

Other options do not directly relate to the direct effects of chlorine crossing the dialyzer membrane. Thrombosis, anemia, and cardiac arrest could be related to other factors in the context of dialysis but do not depict the immediate and specific consequence of chlorine passing through the dialyzer membrane as hemolysis does. Understanding this is essential for ensuring patient safety and effective treatment in dialysis settings.