Water Treatment and Dialysis Equipment Flashcards

What is the purpose of carbon tanks in the dialysis water treatment system?

Answer: Remove chlorine and chloramines via adsorption

Activated carbon tanks remove chlorine and chloramines through adsorption, protecting the RO membrane and preventing patient exposure to these hemolytic agents.

During a dialysis machine's self-test, a conductivity alarm activates indicating high conductivity. What does this most likely indicate?

Answer: Incorrect proportioning of dialysate concentrate

High conductivity in the dialysate circuit indicates improper proportioning of the acid or bicarbonate concentrate, resulting in a solution that is too concentrated.

What action should be taken if the dialysis machine's venous pressure alarm activates with a sudden increase in venous pressure?

Answer: Check for venous needle kinking, clotting, or access obstruction

A sudden increase in venous pressure suggests obstruction in the venous return pathway — check for needle kinking, clotting in the venous chamber, or access stenosis.

What does the dialysis machine's blood leak detector monitor?

Answer: Presence of blood in the spent dialysate

The blood leak detector uses a photocell to detect blood in the spent dialysate effluent, signaling a breach in the dialyzer membrane.

What is the correct response when the air detector alarm activates during hemodialysis?

Answer: Immediately clamp the venous line and stop the blood pump

An air detector alarm requires immediate clamping of the venous blood line and stopping the blood pump to prevent air embolism, which can be fatal.

Which disinfection method is most commonly used for the internal water distribution loop in a dialysis facility?

Answer: Heat disinfection or chemical disinfection with bleach or peracetic acid

Heat disinfection (hot water flushing) or chemical disinfection with sodium hypochlorite or peracetic acid are the standard methods for disinfecting dialysis water distribution loops.