Dialysis Equipment Operation Flashcards

What is the primary function of a dialysis machine?

Answer: To filter blood and remove waste

The primary function of a dialysis machine is to act as an artificial kidney for patients with end-stage renal disease. It filters the patient's blood to remove excess fluid, waste products (like urea, creatinine, and potassium), and toxins that their own kidneys can no longer eliminate. This process helps to maintain the body's chemical balance and prevent life-threatening complications.

Which component of the dialysis machine is responsible for controlling the flow of blood through the dialyzer?

Answer: Blood pump

The blood pump is the component of the dialysis machine responsible for drawing the patient's blood from their vascular access and propelling it through the extracorporeal circuit, including the dialyzer. It ensures a consistent and controlled flow rate, which is essential for efficient waste removal and fluid management during the dialysis treatment. Without the blood pump, blood would not circulate through the system.

What is the purpose of the dialyzer in the dialysis machine?

Answer: To remove toxins and fluid from blood

The dialyzer, often referred to as the artificial kidney, is the core component where the actual purification of blood takes place. It contains a semi-permeable membrane that allows waste products and excess fluid to pass from the patient's blood into the dialysate solution, while retaining essential blood cells and proteins. This process mimics the natural filtering function of healthy kidneys.

Which of the following is an important step before starting dialysis?

Answer: All of the above

Before starting dialysis, it is crucial to perform a comprehensive safety check to ensure patient safety and effective treatment. Verifying the patient's weight is essential for accurate ultrafiltration goals, checking for leaks in the circuit prevents blood loss and contamination, and ensuring air detectors are functioning properly prevents life-threatening air embolisms. All these steps are vital for a safe and successful dialysis session.

What should you do if there is a blood leak detected during dialysis?

Answer: Stop dialysis and check for leaks

If a blood leak is detected during dialysis, it indicates a breach in the integrity of the extracorporeal circuit, which can lead to blood loss, contamination, or exposure to dialysate. The immediate and correct action is to stop dialysis to prevent further complications and thoroughly investigate the source of the leak. Continuing treatment or increasing blood flow would be dangerous and could exacerbate the problem.

What is the role of the ultrafiltration pump in dialysis?

Answer: To remove excess fluid from blood

The ultrafiltration pump plays a specific role in dialysis by precisely controlling the rate at which excess fluid is removed from the patient's blood. By creating a pressure gradient across the dialyzer membrane, it ensures that the correct amount of water is extracted, preventing fluid overload and its associated complications like hypertension and pulmonary edema.

What should you check after dialysis has finished?

Answer: Check for signs of bleeding

After dialysis has finished, it is critically important to check for signs of bleeding, particularly at the vascular access site. Anticoagulants used during the treatment can increase the risk of post-dialysis bleeding. While ensuring patient stability and proper equipment disposal are also important, actively monitoring for bleeding is a direct safety measure to prevent immediate complications.

What should you do if the dialysis machine alarms due to a low blood flow?

Answer: Check for clots or kinks

A low blood flow alarm during dialysis typically indicates an obstruction or issue within the extracorporeal circuit or the patient's vascular access. Common causes include kinks in the bloodlines, clotted access, or vasospasm. The appropriate response is to investigate and resolve these mechanical issues to restore proper blood flow and ensure effective dialysis treatment.

What is the recommended action if there is an air embolism during dialysis?

Answer: Place the patient in Trendelenburg position

In the event of an air embolism during dialysis, placing the patient in the Trendelenburg position (head down, feet up) on their left side is a critical intervention. This position helps to trap air in the right ventricle, preventing it from entering the pulmonary circulation and reducing the risk of air traveling to the brain or lungs, allowing time for the air to be absorbed or aspirated.