Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Vascular Access Management 2

Question 1

What is 'access recirculation' in hemodialysis?

Accepted Answer

Cleaned blood being re-drawn into the arterial needle before returning to the body

Answer

Blood flowing backward through the fistula

Answer

Dialysate recirculating in the machine

Answer

Heparin recirculating through the blood circuit

Question 2

Which sign indicates that a patient may be experiencing steal syndrome from an AV access?

Accepted Answer

Pain, pallor, and coldness of the hand distal to the access

Answer

Swelling of the access arm

Answer

Thrill disappearance at anastomosis

Answer

Fever and chills during dialysis

Question 3

What is the recommended minimum length of maturation time for a new AV fistula before first cannulation?

Accepted Answer

4–6 weeks

Answer

1–2 weeks

Answer

2–4 weeks

Answer

6–8 weeks

Question 4

Infiltration of an AV graft during cannulation requires which immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Remove the needle, apply pressure, and assess the site

Answer

Continue dialysis at a lower blood flow rate

Answer

Inject heparin at the site

Answer

Increase the UFR to compensate for fluid infiltration

Question 5

What is the 'rule of 6s' used to assess AV fistula maturity?

Accepted Answer

Diameter >6 mm, depth <6 mm, flow >600 mL/min

Answer

Flow >600 mL/min, depth <6 mm, diameter >6 mm

Answer

6 weeks old, 6 cm long, 6 mm deep

Answer

Blood flow >600, length >6 cm, puncture for 6 sessions

Question 6

Which is the correct technique for removing needles from an AV access after hemodialysis?

Accepted Answer

Remove the venous needle first, then the arterial needle

Answer

Remove both needles simultaneously and apply pressure

Answer

Remove the arterial needle first, then the venous needle

Answer

Either order is acceptable if pressure is applied