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

A blood leak alarm means dialyzer membrane rupture is suspected. The blood pump must be stopped immediately, lines clamped, and the dialysate inspected for pink or red color. Blood must NOT be returned until a true leak is ruled out.

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

Conductivity reflects dialysate sodium and total electrolyte concentration. Values outside 13.0–16.0 mS/cm could cause hypernatremia, hyponatremia, or other fatal electrolyte disturbances. The machine automatically bypasses dialysate to drain when conductivity is out of range.

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

Air entry into the venous return line can cause a potentially fatal air embolism. The blood pump must be stopped immediately and the venous line clamped to prevent air from reaching the patient. Emergency response and physician notification are required.

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

Needle dislodgement can cause rapid, life-threatening blood loss. Immediate firm pressure must be applied, the blood pump stopped, and emergency help summoned. The volume of blood lost must be estimated and documented.

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

High TMP indicates increased resistance in the dialyzer, most commonly from clot formation in the fiber bundle. It may also indicate membrane fouling. If it continues to rise, the dialyzer may need to be changed.

CHBT - Certified Hemodialysis Bio-Medical Technician Practice Test

CHBT - Certified Hemodialysis Bio-Medical Technician Practice Test

CHBT Alarm Systems and Emergency Response