CHBT Alarm Systems and Emergency Response

Question 1

A hemodialysis machine alarms with a 'blood leak' alert. What is the immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Stop the blood pump, clamp the blood lines, and do not return blood to the patient until the dialyzer is inspected

Answer

Reduce the blood flow rate and observe to see if the alarm clears

Answer

Reset the alarm and complete the treatment since false alarms are common

Answer

Increase transmembrane pressure to force the leak to seal itself

Question 2

What does a 'conductivity alarm' on a hemodialysis machine indicate?

Accepted Answer

The dialysate electrolyte concentration is outside safe limits, posing risk of fatal electrolyte imbalance

Answer

The blood pump speed has exceeded the prescribed rate

Answer

The venous pressure is too high, indicating a possible access occlusion

Answer

The heparin infusion pump has run out of medication

Question 3

During a hemodialysis session, the air detector alarm activates. What is the correct response?

Accepted Answer

Stop the blood pump immediately and clamp the venous line to prevent air from entering the patient

Answer

Slow the blood pump to 50 mL/min and watch for visible air bubbles

Answer

Reset the alarm and document it as a false alarm

Answer

Prime the venous drip chamber with additional heparinized saline while treatment continues

Question 4

What action should a dialysis technician take if a patient's access needle is accidentally dislodged during treatment?

Accepted Answer

Apply immediate firm pressure to the puncture site, stop the blood pump, and call for emergency assistance

Answer

Quickly reinsert the needle and resume treatment to minimize blood loss

Answer

Apply a tourniquet above the access site and continue dialysis through the remaining needle

Answer

Elevate the affected limb and continue treating with the remaining connected needle

Question 5

A hemodialysis machine displays a 'transmembrane pressure (TMP) high' alarm. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Clotting within the dialyzer fibers, increasing resistance to ultrafiltration

Answer

The dialysate temperature is set too high, expanding fluid volume

Answer

The patient's blood pressure has dropped below 90 mmHg systolic

Answer

The carbon tank has exhausted its chloramine removal capacity

Question 6

In the event of a power failure during hemodialysis, what is the first priority?

Accepted Answer

Return blood to the patient using the hand crank or gravity if available, and ensure patient safety

Answer

Disconnect the patient immediately and discard all blood in the circuit

Answer

Wait for power to restore since machines automatically resume on battery backup

Answer

Increase the dialysate flow rate to compensate for reduced treatment time