CCHT Dialysis Equipment Operation 3

Question 1

What is the significance of the transmembrane pressure (TMP) reading on a hemodialysis machine?

Accepted Answer

It indicates the pressure driving fluid across the dialyzer membrane for ultrafiltration

Answer

It measures the patient's blood pressure during treatment

Answer

It monitors the speed of the dialysate pump

Answer

It measures resistance in the arterial blood line

Question 2

During dialysis, the blood leak detector alarm activates. What does this indicate and what action should be taken?

Accepted Answer

Blood is crossing into the dialysate side; stop treatment and do not return blood

Answer

Patient blood pressure is dropping; administer saline bolus

Answer

The arterial needle has dislodged; reinsert immediately

Answer

The dialysate is too concentrated; dilute with water

Question 3

What is the primary function of the bicarbonate proportioning system in modern hemodialysis machines?

Accepted Answer

Mix acid and bicarbonate concentrates with purified water to create dialysate

Answer

Sterilize the dialysate before patient contact

Answer

Monitor and adjust patient's serum bicarbonate levels directly

Answer

Control the rate of potassium removal from blood

Question 4

Why must hemodialysis machines undergo disinfection between patient treatments?

Accepted Answer

To eliminate biofilm and pathogens that could contaminate future patients' blood circuits

Answer

To remove mineral deposits that reduce machine efficiency

Answer

To recalibrate the pressure sensors for accuracy

Answer

To remove residual dialysate that would alter the next patient's treatment

Question 5

When setting up the extracorporeal circuit, why is it important to prime the blood lines with saline before connecting to the patient?

Accepted Answer

Priming removes air from the circuit and tests for leaks before blood enters

Answer

Saline warms the tubing to body temperature

Answer

Saline pre-heparinizes the circuit

Answer

Priming activates the dialyzer membrane

Question 6

What does the UF goal represent and how is it determined for each treatment?

Accepted Answer

The total volume of fluid to be removed, calculated from weight gain since last treatment

Answer

The maximum blood flow rate achievable during treatment

Answer

The volume of saline to be administered during treatment

Answer

The dialyzer clearance capacity for urea