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

Access recirculation occurs when dialyzed blood returning from the venous needle is immediately re-drawn into the arterial needle, reducing treatment efficiency.

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

Steal syndrome causes ischemia distal to the AV access, presenting as hand pain, pallor, paresthesia, and coldness due to blood being 'stolen' from the distal circulation.

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

KDOQI guidelines recommend waiting at least 4–6 weeks after fistula creation before cannulation to allow adequate maturation.

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

Upon infiltration, the needle must be removed immediately and firm pressure applied to limit hematoma formation.

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

The 'rule of 6s' states a fistula is ready when it has diameter >6 mm, depth <6 mm from skin, and blood flow >600 mL/min.

Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Practice Test

Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Practice Test

Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Vascular Access Management 2