Interventions 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 Interventions flashcards as text
When managing a patient with dialysis disequilibrium syndrome, which dialysis modification is most important to prevent recurrence in future treatments?
Answer: Use shorter, more frequent treatments with lower blood flow rates initially for new patients
Dialysis disequilibrium is caused by too-rapid urea removal creating osmotic gradients; prevention involves slower, incremental dialysis for new patients.
A patient develops cardiac arrhythmia with a wide QRS complex during dialysis. Serum potassium is 6.5 mEq/L. What is the priority intervention?
Answer: Notify the physician immediately, obtain 12-lead ECG, and prepare for potential emergency interventions
Cardiac arrhythmia with hyperkalemia is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate physician notification, cardiac monitoring, and readiness for emergency interventions.
What is the recommended management for a patient who experiences hypoglycemia (blood glucose less than 70 mg/dL) during hemodialysis?
Answer: Administer 15 to 20g of fast-acting glucose (orange juice, glucose tablets), recheck glucose in 15 minutes
The 15-15 rule applies: give 15g of fast-acting carbohydrates, wait 15 minutes, recheck glucose. Dialysis can usually continue if the patient responds appropriately.
What immediate action should a technician take upon discovering that a patient's needle has become dislodged and is bleeding under the skin (infiltration)?
Answer: Stop the blood pump, clamp lines, remove needle, apply pressure, notify nurse, and assess patient hemodynamics
Needle infiltration requires immediately stopping the blood pump, removing the needle, and applying pressure to prevent hematoma expansion and assess for vascular injury.
A patient on erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) has a hemoglobin of 13.5 g/dL during a routine check. What is the concern and appropriate action?
Answer: Hemoglobin is above target; notify physician as ESA dose may need reduction to avoid thrombotic events
Hemoglobin above 13 g/dL in dialysis patients on ESAs is associated with increased risk of stroke, MI, and thrombosis; dose reduction or ESA hold is required.
What is the appropriate intervention if a patient reports severe back and chest pain coinciding with a pink-tinged dialysate in the waste line?
Answer: Stop treatment immediately, do not return blood, clamp all lines, and call for emergency assistance
Pink dialysate with pain indicates membrane rupture with potential blood leakage into dialysate or severe hemolysis, an emergency requiring immediate treatment termination.