CDN Renal Pharmacology for Dialysis Nurses 3

Question 1

Which medication used to lower blood pressure is dialyzable and may require supplemental dosing after hemodialysis?

Accepted Answer

Atenolol

Answer

Atenolol is hydrophilic, minimally protein-bound, and substantially removed by hemodialysis, often requiring a supplemental post-dialysis dose.

Question 2

Sodium bicarbonate is sometimes given to a dialysis patient prior to an emergency session. What is the indication?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia with severe acidosis

Answer

IV sodium bicarbonate can temporarily shift potassium intracellularly and correct severe acidosis as a bridge to urgent hemodialysis.

Question 3

A dialysis patient develops severe hypocalcemia during a session using a low-calcium dialysate. What is the preferred treatment?

Accepted Answer

IV calcium gluconate

Answer

Symptomatic acute hypocalcemia requires IV calcium gluconate for rapid correction, as oral calcium acts too slowly.

Question 4

Which drug class is commonly used to treat restless leg syndrome in dialysis patients?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine agonists

Answer

Dopamine agonists such as pramipexole and ropinirole are first-line treatments for restless leg syndrome, which is highly prevalent in dialysis patients.

Question 5

Gabapentin requires significant dose reduction in dialysis patients primarily because of:

Accepted Answer

Renal elimination and accumulation causing CNS toxicity

Answer

Gabapentin is renally excreted and accumulates in ESRD, leading to excessive sedation, confusion, myoclonus, and respiratory depression.

CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test

CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test

CDN Renal Pharmacology for Dialysis Nurses 3