Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Medications and Pharmacology in Dialysis 3

Question 1

Which medication is commonly used to treat hypotension during hemodialysis?

Accepted Answer

Midodrine

Answer

Midodrine, an alpha-1 agonist taken orally before dialysis, raises blood pressure by causing vasoconstriction, reducing intradialytic hypotension.

Question 2

Why should antihypertensive medications ideally be withheld on the morning of hemodialysis?

Accepted Answer

They may cause excessive hypotension during fluid removal

Answer

Taking antihypertensives before dialysis combined with fluid removal can lead to severe intradialytic hypotension.

Question 3

Kayexalate (sodium polystyrene sulfonate) is used in dialysis patients to manage which condition?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Kayexalate is a cation-exchange resin that binds potassium in the GI tract and removes it from the body, used for acute or chronic hyperkalemia.

Question 4

Which antibiotic class should be used with caution in dialysis patients due to risk of accumulation and ototoxicity?

Accepted Answer

Aminoglycosides

Answer

Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin) are renally eliminated and accumulate in dialysis patients, increasing risk of hearing loss and vestibular damage.

Question 5

What is the mechanism of action of sevelamer (Renvela) as a phosphate binder?

Accepted Answer

Non-calcium, non-metal polymer that binds phosphate in the intestine

Answer

Sevelamer is a non-absorbed, non-calcium polymer that binds dietary phosphate in the GI tract without adding a calcium or metal load.

Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Practice Test

Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Practice Test

Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Medications and Pharmacology in Dialysis 3