Dialysis Procedures Flashcards
6 cards from real CCHT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Dialysis Procedures flashcards as text
What is the correct sequence for initiating hemodialysis using a central venous catheter (CVC)?
Answer: Clamp lines, remove caps aseptically, aspirate and discard blood/heparin, then connect blood lines
CVC initiation requires clamping lines, aseptic cap removal, aspiration of the heparin lock and any clots, then connection of blood lines to prevent air entry and catheter-related infections.
A patient develops muscle cramps during hemodialysis. What is the most appropriate initial intervention?
Answer: Reduce ultrafiltration rate and administer a small normal saline bolus
Muscle cramps during dialysis are usually caused by excessive fluid removal or low plasma osmolality; reducing the UF rate and giving a small saline bolus corrects fluid shifts.
What is the recommended approach when a patient's arterial pressure alarm activates with a very negative reading (e.g., -250 mmHg)?
Answer: Reduce the blood pump speed and check for arterial access problems
Extremely negative arterial pressure indicates inadequate blood flow from the access; reducing pump speed and assessing the arterial needle or access helps identify and correct the problem.
How should a hemodialysis treatment be terminated at the end of a session using the saline rinse-back method?
Answer: Connect saline to the arterial line, rinse blood back to the patient, then remove needles
Saline rinse-back connects saline to the arterial port, uses the blood pump to push remaining blood back to the patient, then lines are clamped and needles removed.
What is the purpose of recirculation assessment during hemodialysis, and when would it occur?
Answer: It occurs when returned blood immediately re-enters the arterial needle, reducing treatment efficiency
Access recirculation occurs when already-dialyzed blood from the venous needle re-enters the arterial needle, reducing treatment efficacy by diluting the blood being presented to the dialyzer.
During needle removal after hemodialysis, what is the correct method to achieve hemostasis at the needle sites?
Answer: Apply firm digital pressure with gauze for 5 to 10 minutes without releasing
Firm, continuous digital pressure on the needle sites for 5 to 10 minutes (or until bleeding stops) achieves hemostasis without disrupting clot formation.