Alarm Systems and Emergency Response Flashcards

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Answer: Clotting within the dialyzer fibers, increasing resistance to ultrafiltration

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.

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

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

During power failure, blood in the extracorporeal circuit must be returned to the patient to prevent blood loss and circuit clotting. Most machines have a manual blood pump crank for this purpose. Patient safety is the primary concern.