Patient Safety and Quality Assurance Flashcards

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) differs from hemodialysis in which of the following ways?

Answer: PD access is by an intra-abdominal catheter

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) utilizes the peritoneum, a membrane lining the abdominal cavity, as a natural filter. To access this cavity, a permanent catheter is surgically placed into the abdomen. This allows dialysate fluid to be introduced and drained, facilitating waste removal within the patient's own body.

The most likely cause of post-renal failure is:

Answer: benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Post-renal failure occurs when there is an obstruction in the urinary tract that prevents urine flow out of the kidneys. Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a common condition in older men where the prostate gland enlarges, compressing the urethra and blocking urine outflow, thus leading to post-renal acute kidney injury.

The most common cause of chronic kidney disease in the United States is:

Answer: diabetes.

Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the United States, accounting for nearly half of all cases. High blood sugar levels over time damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste. This damage can progressively lead to kidney failure.

Which of the following conditions is LEAST likely to be caused by uremia?

Answer: Urinary tract infection

Uremia refers to the accumulation of waste products in the blood due to kidney failure. While uremia causes symptoms like itching, edema, and anemia, it does not directly cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are typically caused by bacterial invasion of the urinary tract, often unrelated to the systemic effects of uremia.

All of the following conditions are associated with chronic kidney failure EXCEPT:

Answer: hypoparathyroidism.

Chronic kidney failure often leads to hyperparathyroidism, not hypoparathyroidism. Damaged kidneys cannot properly activate Vitamin D, leading to low calcium levels, which in turn stimulates the parathyroid glands to overproduce parathyroid hormone (PTH) in an attempt to raise calcium. This condition is known as secondary hyperparathyroidism.

What percentage of transplanted kidneys are functional 1 year after transplantation?

Answer: 90%

Kidney transplantation has a high success rate, with approximately 90% of transplanted kidneys from deceased donors and an even higher percentage from living donors remaining functional one year post-transplantation. This high success rate makes transplantation a preferred treatment option for end-stage kidney disease.

Which hemodialysis schedule is likely to be most efficient?

Answer: Short daily home hemodialysis, 2-3 hours a session, 5-7 days a week

Short daily home hemodialysis is generally considered the most efficient schedule because it mimics natural kidney function more closely by providing more frequent, shorter treatments. This leads to better clearance of toxins, improved fluid management, and often better patient outcomes and quality of life compared to less frequent schedules.