CHT Patient Assessment and Monitoring in Dialysis 3

Question 1

Which clinical presentation is most characteristic of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Headache, nausea, confusion, and possible seizures

Answer

Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome causes neurological symptoms including headache, nausea, confusion, and seizures due to rapid solute removal creating osmotic gradients across the blood-brain barrier.

Question 2

What is the normal oxygen saturation (SpO2) range for a healthy adult as measured by pulse oximetry?

Accepted Answer

95–100%

Answer

Normal pulse oximetry SpO2 for a healthy adult is 95–100%; values below 95% may indicate hypoxemia and warrant clinical assessment.

Question 3

During hemodialysis, a sudden drop in the venous pressure alarm most likely indicates which problem?

Accepted Answer

Needle dislodgment or disconnection in the venous return line

Answer

A sudden drop in venous pressure typically indicates needle dislodgment or a disconnection in the venous return line, which can cause rapid, life-threatening blood loss.

Question 4

Before cannulating a patient's arteriovenous fistula, which assessment must ALWAYS be performed first?

Accepted Answer

Inspect and palpate the access site for thrill, bruit, redness, swelling, and pain

Answer

Pre-cannulation assessment requires inspecting for signs of infection (redness, swelling, drainage) and confirming patency by palpating for thrill and auscultating for bruit before inserting any needles.

Question 5

A patient develops muscle cramps during hemodialysis. What is the most likely underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Rapid or excessive fluid removal causing hypovolemia and reduced muscle perfusion

Answer

Muscle cramps during dialysis most commonly result from rapid or excessive ultrafiltration causing hypovolemia, impaired muscle perfusion, and electrolyte shifts.

Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Practice Test

Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Practice Test

CHT Patient Assessment and Monitoring in Dialysis 3