CDN Dialysis Complications and Emergency Management 3

Question 1

A patient on peritoneal dialysis presents with cloudy dialysate effluent, abdominal pain, and fever. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Peritonitis

Answer

Dialysate leak

Answer

Ultrafiltration failure

Answer

Catheter malposition

Question 2

What is the minimum white blood cell count in peritoneal dialysis effluent that is diagnostic of peritonitis?

Accepted Answer

100 WBC/mm³ with >50% neutrophils

Answer

50 WBC/mm³ with >50% neutrophils

Answer

200 WBC/mm³ with >50% neutrophils

Answer

500 WBC/mm³ with >50% neutrophils

Question 3

During hemodialysis, the blood pump stops and blood is observed to be dark in the arterial line. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Arterial needle clotting or dislodgement

Answer

Venous needle dislodgement

Answer

Hemolysis

Answer

Air embolism

Question 4

What is the primary goal of sodium profiling during hemodialysis?

Accepted Answer

Reduce intradialytic hypotension while limiting thirst and interdialytic weight gain

Answer

Reduce the risk of disequilibrium syndrome

Answer

Improve phosphorus clearance

Answer

Prevent hypernatremia

Question 5

A patient with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis suddenly becomes unresponsive with no palpable pulse. What is the nurse's immediate priority?

Accepted Answer

Initiate CPR and activate the emergency response system

Answer

Stop the dialysis machine and return blood to the patient

Answer

Administer epinephrine via the venous access

Answer

Check the dialysis machine alarms

Question 6

Which finding during hemodialysis requires the nurse to immediately stop the blood pump and clamp all lines?

Accepted Answer

Visible air bubbles detected in the venous drip chamber

Answer

Patient complains of mild itching

Answer

Blood pressure drops to 100/70 mmHg

Answer

Patient reports feeling cold