What may happen if the body absorbs too much water due to low sodium levels in the dialysate?

When the body absorbs too much water due to low sodium levels in the dialysate, the primary concern is the potential for fluid overload, which can lead to symptoms of cramping. This occurs because the excess water can cause an imbalance in electrolytes, particularly sodium, leading to shifts in fluid that may result in muscle cramping.

In the context of hemodialysis, sodium levels in the dialysate are crucial for regulating fluid balance. Low sodium can lead to an increase in plasma water, thereby diluting the sodium concentration further and resulting in cellular osmotic changes. When cells, particularly muscle cells, encounter these shifts, it can stimulate spasms or cramping.

While feelings of thirst or hypertension could be considerations in fluid balance and sodium levels, they are not the most immediate outcomes associated specifically with the absorption of excess water in the scenario presented. Instead, muscle cramping is a direct and observable manifestation of this physiological change, making it the most relevant answer to the question.