Medications and Pharmacology in Dialysis Flashcards
6 cards from real CHT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Medications and Pharmacology in Dialysis flashcards as text
Which class of medications is most commonly used to treat anemia in dialysis patients?
Answer: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs)
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) such as epoetin alfa and darbepoetin stimulate red blood cell production in anemic dialysis patients.
What is the target hemoglobin range recommended by KDIGO guidelines for dialysis patients receiving ESA therapy?
Answer: 10–11.5 g/dL
KDIGO guidelines recommend maintaining hemoglobin between 10–11.5 g/dL for dialysis patients to reduce transfusion risk without increasing cardiovascular events.
IV iron administration during hemodialysis is timed to coincide with:
Answer: The first 30 minutes of treatment
IV iron is typically given in the first 30 minutes of dialysis to allow maximum monitoring time for infusion reactions.
Which phosphate binder is calcium-based and most commonly used in dialysis patients?
Answer: Calcium carbonate
Calcium carbonate is a widely used, calcium-based phosphate binder that binds dietary phosphate in the GI tract.
Why is aluminum hydroxide generally avoided as a long-term phosphate binder in dialysis patients?
Answer: It causes aluminum toxicity leading to dementia and bone disease
Chronic aluminum hydroxide use leads to aluminum accumulation causing dialysis dementia and adynamic bone disease.
Which anticoagulant is most frequently used during hemodialysis to prevent clotting in the extracorporeal circuit?
Answer: Unfractionated heparin
Unfractionated heparin is the standard anticoagulant used during hemodialysis due to its rapid onset, short half-life, and reversibility with protamine.