Medication Administration and Anticoagulation Flashcards

What is the primary anticoagulant used during hemodialysis to prevent clotting in the extracorporeal circuit?

Answer: Heparin

Heparin is the standard anticoagulant used during hemodialysis because of its rapid onset and the ability to reverse it with protamine sulfate if needed.

A patient receiving hemodialysis has a heparin allergy. Which alternative anticoagulation method is most commonly used?

Answer: Citrate anticoagulation

Citrate anticoagulation is the preferred alternative to heparin for patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) or heparin allergy.

What is the typical initial bolus dose range of unfractionated heparin administered at the start of hemodialysis?

Answer: 1,000–5,000 units

A typical initial heparin bolus is 1,000–5,000 units, adjusted based on patient weight, bleeding risk, and clotting tendency.

Which medication is used to reverse the anticoagulant effects of heparin in cases of overdose or emergency bleeding?

Answer: Protamine sulfate

Protamine sulfate binds and neutralizes heparin, rapidly reversing its anticoagulant effect.

When administering erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to a dialysis patient, what is the primary goal?

Answer: Treat anemia of chronic kidney disease

ESAs such as epoetin alfa stimulate red blood cell production to treat the anemia associated with chronic kidney disease in dialysis patients.

Which iron preparation is commonly administered intravenously during hemodialysis sessions to treat iron deficiency anemia?

Answer: Iron sucrose

Iron sucrose is a commonly used IV iron formulation that can be administered during hemodialysis to replenish iron stores.

Before administering IV iron during dialysis, which assessment is most important to perform?

Answer: Assess for signs of anaphylaxis risk and verify allergy history

Assessing allergy history and anaphylaxis risk is critical before IV iron administration because hypersensitivity reactions can occur.