Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Vascular Access and Cannulation 2

Question 1

What minimum needle gauge is required to achieve blood flow rates of 400-500 mL/min during hemodialysis?

Accepted Answer

16-17 gauge

Answer

25 gauge

Answer

21 gauge

Answer

14 gauge only

Question 2

When assessing a newly placed AV graft, how long should the technician typically wait before the first cannulation?

Accepted Answer

2-3 weeks

Answer

24 hours

Answer

48-72 hours

Answer

6 months

Question 3

Dialysis steal syndrome occurs when:

Accepted Answer

Too much blood flows through the access, reducing distal limb perfusion

Answer

The access clots repeatedly

Answer

The patient experiences hypotension

Answer

Venous pressures exceed 250 mmHg

Question 4

After removing hemodialysis needles, how long should manual pressure typically be held to achieve hemostasis on an AVF?

Accepted Answer

5-15 minutes

Answer

30 seconds

Answer

1-2 minutes

Answer

30 minutes minimum

Question 5

Which finding on physical examination of a central venous catheter (CVC) exit site requires immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Purulent drainage, redness, and warmth at exit site

Answer

Dry, intact healing around the cuff

Answer

Slight scabbing at the exit site

Answer

Clear serous fluid at exit site day 1 post-insertion

Question 6

The 'rope ladder' technique of AVF cannulation involves:

Accepted Answer

Rotating needle sites along the entire length of the fistula

Answer

Using the same holes each treatment

Answer

Only cannulating near the anastomosis

Answer

Using two needles on the same segment