Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Dialysis Complications and Emergency Management 3

Question 1

Which of the following dialysate abnormalities is most likely to cause acute hemolysis in dialysis patients?

Accepted Answer

Hypo-osmolar dialysate (low sodium or diluted dialysate)

Answer

Dialysate sodium of 140 mEq/L

Answer

Dialysate pH of 7.35

Answer

Normal dialysate temperature of 37°C

Question 2

Pyrogenic reactions during hemodialysis are characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Fever, chills, and rigors occurring 30-90 minutes into treatment, with no positive blood culture required

Answer

Sudden hypotension without fever

Answer

Seizures and altered mental status only

Answer

Rash and bronchospasm

Question 3

In the event of a power failure during hemodialysis, the most critical immediate action is:

Accepted Answer

Manually return blood to the patient using the hand crank or gravity return protocol

Answer

Wait for power to restore automatically

Answer

Disconnect all patients immediately without blood return

Answer

Administer IV fluids through the arterial line

Question 4

A patient becomes unresponsive with a pulse during dialysis. After calling for help, the next priority is:

Accepted Answer

Stop ultrafiltration, reduce blood flow, position flat, assess airway and initiate emergency response

Answer

Continue dialysis at reduced blood flow

Answer

Administer heparin IV

Answer

Increase dialysate temperature to 38°C

Question 5

Which vital sign measurement is MOST important to obtain before initiating each hemodialysis treatment?

Accepted Answer

Pre-treatment weight, blood pressure, pulse, respirations, and temperature

Answer

Temperature only

Answer

Blood pressure only

Answer

Pulse oximetry only

Question 6

Itching (pruritus) in hemodialysis patients most commonly results from:

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of uremic toxins, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and inadequate dialysis

Answer

Allergy to dialysate chemicals

Answer

Hypotension during treatment

Answer

Excess fluid removal