Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Infection Control and Patient Safety in Dialysis

Question 1

Which bloodborne pathogen is most commonly transmitted in hemodialysis units due to shared equipment and environmental contamination?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Answer

HIV

Answer

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)

Answer

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Question 2

CDC guidelines recommend that hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive patients in dialysis units should:

Accepted Answer

Be dialyzed in a separate room or area with dedicated equipment

Answer

Be treated in the same area as all other patients

Answer

Not receive hemodialysis

Answer

Only be dialyzed using peritoneal dialysis

Question 3

Which hand hygiene product is NOT effective against Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) spores?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Answer

Soap and water

Answer

Chlorhexidine scrub

Answer

Povidone-iodine scrub

Question 4

The minimum frequency for cleaning and disinfecting dialysis station surfaces (chair, machine, supplies) between patients is:

Accepted Answer

After each patient use, before the next patient is seated

Answer

Once per week

Answer

Once per day at shift end

Answer

After every third patient

Question 5

Standard precautions in hemodialysis require which personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling blood-contaminated items?

Accepted Answer

Gloves and gown for all blood exposures; mask and eye protection when splashing is likely

Answer

Gloves only

Answer

N95 mask for all procedures

Answer

No PPE needed for routine care

Question 6

A dialysis technician accidentally sustains a needlestick injury from a patient's used hemodialysis needle. The FIRST action should be:

Accepted Answer

Immediately wash the wound with soap and water, then report the exposure

Answer

Apply a tourniquet above the injury

Answer

Apply alcohol and continue working

Answer

Wait to see if symptoms develop before reporting