Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Medications and Pharmacology in Dialysis

Question 1

Which class of medications is most commonly used to treat anemia in dialysis patients?

Accepted Answer

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs)

Answer

Iron supplements only

Answer

Vitamin B12 injections

Answer

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors

Question 2

What is the target hemoglobin range recommended by KDIGO guidelines for dialysis patients receiving ESA therapy?

Accepted Answer

10–11.5 g/dL

Answer

8–9 g/dL

Answer

12–13 g/dL

Answer

13–15 g/dL

Question 3

IV iron administration during hemodialysis is timed to coincide with:

Accepted Answer

The first 30 minutes of treatment

Answer

The last hour of treatment only

Answer

Any time during dialysis is equally appropriate

Answer

After the blood pump is stopped

Question 4

Which phosphate binder is calcium-based and most commonly used in dialysis patients?

Accepted Answer

Calcium carbonate

Answer

Sevelamer

Answer

Lanthanum carbonate

Answer

Aluminum hydroxide

Question 5

Why is aluminum hydroxide generally avoided as a long-term phosphate binder in dialysis patients?

Accepted Answer

It causes aluminum toxicity leading to dementia and bone disease

Answer

It causes hyperphosphatemia

Answer

It is too expensive

Answer

It is rapidly dialyzed off

Question 6

Which anticoagulant is most frequently used during hemodialysis to prevent clotting in the extracorporeal circuit?

Accepted Answer

Unfractionated heparin

Answer

Warfarin

Answer

Low-molecular-weight heparin

Answer

Bivalirudin