Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Dialysis Equipment and Troubleshooting

Question 1

Which alarm on a hemodialysis machine requires the technician to immediately clamp the blood lines and stop the blood pump?

Accepted Answer

Air detector alarm

Answer

An air detector alarm signals air in the venous line, requiring immediate clamping and stopping the blood pump to prevent an air embolism.

Question 2

What does a high transmembrane pressure (TMP) alarm during dialysis typically indicate?

Accepted Answer

Clotting in the dialyzer

Answer

Elevated TMP often indicates clotting within the dialyzer fibers, increasing resistance to ultrafiltration.

Question 3

A venous pressure alarm that is consistently low may indicate which problem?

Accepted Answer

Needle dislodgement from the access

Answer

A consistently low venous pressure can indicate that the venous needle has dislodged from the access, reducing resistance in the return line.

Question 4

What is the purpose of the dialysate bypass system on a hemodialysis machine?

Accepted Answer

Route dialysate past the dialyzer when an alarm condition is detected

Answer

The bypass system diverts dialysate away from the dialyzer when temperature, conductivity, or other alarms occur, protecting the patient from harmful dialysate.

Question 5

Which type of dialyzer membrane is made from synthetic polymer and is generally more biocompatible than cellulosic membranes?

Accepted Answer

Polysulfone

Answer

Polysulfone is a high-flux synthetic membrane with superior biocompatibility compared to cellulosic membranes.

Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Practice Test

Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Practice Test

Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Dialysis Equipment and Troubleshooting