CCHT Patient Assessment 2

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of weighing a dialysis patient before and after each treatment?

Accepted Answer

To calculate fluid removal (UF) goal and assess post-treatment dry weight achievement

Answer

Pre- and post-dialysis weights determine fluid status: pre-dialysis weight minus dry weight equals UF goal; post-dialysis weight confirms whether target dry weight was achieved.

Question 2

During pre-treatment assessment, a patient reports taking a new herbal supplement for kidney health. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Document the supplement, inform the charge nurse, and ask the patient not to take it until cleared by the nephrologist

Answer

Many herbal supplements contain potassium, phosphorus, or nephrotoxic compounds and can interact with medications; all supplements must be reviewed by the nephrologist.

Question 3

When assessing a patient's vascular access before cannulation, which finding requires withholding cannulation and notifying the charge nurse?

Accepted Answer

A large, firm, non-compressible hematoma directly over the intended needle sites

Answer

A firm hematoma over the cannulation site poses a bleeding risk if needled and may indicate recent infiltration or traumatic injury requiring evaluation before proceeding.

Question 4

What does a positive Tinel's sign at the wrist suggest in a long-term hemodialysis patient with an upper arm access?

Accepted Answer

Carpal tunnel syndrome, commonly caused by beta-2 microglobulin amyloid deposits

Answer

Tinel's sign (tingling when tapping the carpal tunnel) suggests carpal tunnel syndrome, which is common in long-term dialysis patients due to beta-2 microglobulin amyloid deposition.

Question 5

A patient on dialysis has a serum albumin of 2.8 g/dL. What does this value indicate and why is it clinically significant?

Accepted Answer

Malnutrition with poor prognosis; requires nutritional intervention and dietary consultation

Answer

Serum albumin below 3.5 g/dL indicates malnutrition or inflammatory state, and levels below 3.0 g/dL are associated with significantly increased morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients.

CCHT - Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician Practice Test

CCHT - Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician Practice Test

CCHT Patient Assessment 2