CCHT Medication Administration and Anticoagulation

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Heparin

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Citrate anticoagulation

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

1,000–5,000 units

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Protamine sulfate

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Treat anemia of chronic kidney disease

Answer

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

CCHT - Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician Practice Test

CCHT - Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician Practice Test

CCHT Medication Administration and Anticoagulation