Dialysis Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a conductivity alarm on a hemodialysis machine?

Answer: To detect incorrect dialysate concentration

The conductivity alarm detects deviations in dialysate ionic concentration, protecting patients from hypo- or hypertonic dialysate exposure.

How often should hemodialysis machine proportioning systems be calibrated according to standard practice?

Answer: Per manufacturer schedule, typically monthly or after repair

Calibration frequency follows the manufacturer's recommendations, typically monthly or after any repair that could affect fluid delivery accuracy.

Which component is responsible for generating the negative transmembrane pressure that drives ultrafiltration in a dialysis machine?

Answer: Ultrafiltration controller

The ultrafiltration controller regulates the pressure differential across the dialyzer membrane to achieve the prescribed fluid removal rate.

A blood leak alarm activates during treatment. What is the correct first response by the biomed technician verifying the alarm?

Answer: Inspect the dialysate outflow for pink or red discoloration

Visual inspection of the dialysate effluent for discoloration confirms whether a true blood leak has occurred through the membrane.

What does a high venous pressure alarm most commonly indicate?

Answer: Clotted or kinked venous blood line

High venous pressure typically results from an obstruction in the venous return line, such as a clot, kink, or access problem.

Which maintenance task should be performed after every patient treatment to protect the dialysis machine's internal fluid pathways?

Answer: Run a disinfection/rinse cycle per protocol

Post-treatment disinfection and rinse cycles remove residual dialysate and biological material, preventing microbial growth in internal pathways.