CHT Patient Assessment and Monitoring in Dialysis

Question 1

What is the acceptable pre-dialysis systolic blood pressure range that typically allows hemodialysis treatment to proceed without intervention?

Accepted Answer

90–180 mmHg

Answer

Most dialysis centers allow treatment when pre-dialysis systolic BP is between 90–180 mmHg; values outside this range require nursing assessment before proceeding.

Question 2

Which vital sign change most commonly signals the onset of intradialytic hypotension during hemodialysis?

Accepted Answer

Drop in systolic blood pressure of ≥20 mmHg accompanied by symptoms

Answer

Intradialytic hypotension is clinically defined as a drop in systolic BP of ≥20 mmHg associated with symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or muscle cramps.

Question 3

What is the primary clinical purpose of establishing a patient's 'dry weight' in hemodialysis?

Accepted Answer

To determine the target post-dialysis weight and guide the amount of fluid removal

Answer

Dry weight (target weight) is the post-dialysis weight at which the patient is considered euvolemic, guiding the ultrafiltration goal for each treatment.

Question 4

Which patient symptom during hemodialysis requires the technician to immediately notify the supervising nurse?

Accepted Answer

Sudden onset of chest pain and shortness of breath

Answer

Chest pain and shortness of breath during dialysis may indicate life-threatening complications such as air embolism, cardiac event, or pulmonary embolism requiring immediate nursing intervention.

Question 5

During routine hemodialysis, how frequently should vital signs be monitored at a minimum to meet standard practice requirements?

Accepted Answer

Every 30 minutes throughout the entire treatment

Answer

Standard dialysis practice requires vital signs to be assessed at minimum every 30 minutes throughout treatment to enable early detection of complications.

Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Practice Test

Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Practice Test

CHT Patient Assessment and Monitoring in Dialysis