Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

dialysis machine
A machine used in dialysis that
filters a patient’s blood to remove excess water and
waste products when the kidneys are damaged, 
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dialysis machine
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dysfunctional, or missing. The dialysis machine
itself can be thought of as an artificial kidney. Inside,
it consists of more plastic tubing that carries the
removed blood to the dialyser, a bundle of hollow
fibers that forms a semipermeable membrane for
filtering out impurities. In the dialyser, blood is dif-
fused with a saline solution called dialysate, and the
dialysate is in turn diffused with blood. When the fil-
tration process is complete, the cleansed blood is
returned to the patient. Most patients who undergo
dialysis because of kidney impairment or failure use
a dialysis machine at a dialysis clinic. Also, a
machine called a peritoneal dialysis machine can be
used chronically at home for dialysis, which elimi-
nates the need for regular hemodialysis clinic treat-
ments. Using this machine during the day and
frequently during sleep, the patient can control
his/her own dialysis.
diaper rash
An inflammatory reaction localized
to the area of skin usually covered by the diaper. It
can have many causes, including infections (yeast,
bacterial, or viral), friction irritation, chemical
allergies (perfumes, soaps), sweat, decomposed
urine, and plugged sweat glands. Most diaper rash
problems can be solved by cleansing the skin with
nonperfumed, gentle products; changing diapers
frequently; and exposing the affected skin area to
air. Commercially available diaper rash ointments
may be helpful for prevention but may actually
cause further irritation if used on the inflamed
areas. Also called diaper dermatitis.
diaphragm 1
The muscle that separates the chest
(thoracic) cavity from the abdomen. Contraction of
the diaphragm helps to expand the lungs when one
breathes in air. 
2
A specially fitted contraceptive
device that covers the cervix to prevent the entry of
sperm. For greatest effectiveness, a diaphragm is
used with spermicidal gel or cream. See also 
birth
control; contraceptive.