Hemodialysis Technologist Flashcards
7 cards from real CHT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Hemodialysis Technologist flashcards as text
Which dialyzer membrane characteristic determines its ability to remove middle molecules such as beta-2 microglobulin?
Answer: Flux (high-flux vs. low-flux)
High-flux dialyzers have larger pore sizes that allow removal of middle molecules like beta-2 microglobulin, unlike low-flux membranes.
A technician notices the conductivity alarm on the proportioning system is reading 16.5 mS/cm instead of the expected 14 mS/cm. The CORRECT action is to:
Answer: Take the machine out of service and notify the nurse
Conductivity outside the safe range indicates incorrect dialysate concentration, which is a patient safety emergency requiring immediate machine removal from service.
Which anticoagulant is most commonly used during hemodialysis to prevent clotting in the extracorporeal circuit?
Answer: Heparin
Unfractionated heparin is the standard anticoagulant for hemodialysis due to its rapid action and reversibility with protamine sulfate.
During hemodialysis, the transmembrane pressure (TMP) suddenly increases above the alarm limit. This MOST LIKELY indicates:
Answer: Clotting in the dialyzer or venous line
A sudden rise in TMP suggests clot formation increasing resistance to flow in the dialyzer or blood lines.
What is the recommended minimum blood flow rate (Qb) for adequate hemodialysis in most adult patients?
Answer: 200–400 mL/min
KDOQI guidelines recommend a blood flow rate of 200–400 mL/min to achieve adequate solute clearance during standard hemodialysis.
Which condition is characterized by sudden confusion, headache, nausea, and seizures near the end of dialysis, caused by a shift in brain osmolality?
Answer: Disequilibrium syndrome
Disequilibrium syndrome occurs when urea is removed faster from blood than from brain tissue, causing cerebral edema.
A patient on hemodialysis has a serum potassium of 6.5 mEq/L pre-treatment. Which dialysate potassium concentration would be MOST appropriate?
Answer: 2 mEq/L
A 2 mEq/L dialysate potassium creates a sufficient gradient to remove excess potassium in a hyperkalemic patient without causing dangerous hypokalemia.