CDN Dialysis Adequacy and Prescription 2

Question 1

Which dialysate potassium concentration is most appropriate for a patient with a pre-dialysis serum potassium of 6.5 mEq/L?

Accepted Answer

2 mEq/L

Answer

A 2 mEq/L potassium dialysate bath creates a favorable gradient for potassium removal in significantly hyperkalemic patients while reducing cardiac arrhythmia risk.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of sodium profiling during hemodialysis?

Accepted Answer

Improve cardiovascular stability and reduce intradialytic hypotension

Answer

Sodium profiling uses higher sodium concentrations early in treatment to maintain plasma osmolality and improve hemodynamic stability, reducing intradialytic hypotension.

Question 3

A patient on hemodialysis has a target dry weight of 72 kg and arrives weighing 75.5 kg. What is the interdialytic weight gain, and is it within recommended limits?

Accepted Answer

3.5 kg — exceeds the recommended 2–3 kg limit

Answer

The interdialytic weight gain is 3.5 kg (75.5 − 72 = 3.5), which exceeds the generally recommended limit of 2–3 kg between sessions.

Question 4

What is the maximum recommended ultrafiltration rate to minimize cardiovascular stress during hemodialysis?

Accepted Answer

13 mL/kg/hour

Answer

Ultrafiltration rates exceeding 13 mL/kg/hour are associated with increased cardiovascular stress, myocardial stunning, and higher mortality risk.

Question 5

Which dialysate bicarbonate concentration is typically used for hemodialysis patients with metabolic acidosis?

Accepted Answer

35–38 mEq/L

Answer

A dialysate bicarbonate of 35–38 mEq/L provides a diffusion gradient to correct metabolic acidosis common in end-stage renal disease patients.

CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test

CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test

CDN Dialysis Adequacy and Prescription 2