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

TMP is the pressure difference across the dialyzer membrane that drives ultrafiltration (fluid removal) from the blood side to the dialysate side.

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

A blood leak detector alarm means dialyzer membrane rupture has occurred; blood must not be returned to the patient due to risk of contamination.

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

The proportioning system precisely mixes acid concentrate (containing electrolytes) and bicarbonate concentrate with purified water in correct ratios to create dialysate.

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

Machine disinfection destroys biofilm and pathogens in internal fluid pathways that could contaminate blood circuits and cause bloodstream infections in subsequent patients.

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

Priming removes air bubbles from blood lines and the dialyzer, and allows visual inspection for leaks or defects before the patient is connected.

CCHT - Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician Practice Test

CCHT - Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician Practice Test

CCHT Dialysis Equipment Operation 3