MCQ Flashcards

During hemodialysis, a conductivity alert rings. Which of these events should the technician have anticipated?

Answer: Dialyzer was bypassed.

A conductivity alert during hemodialysis indicates an issue with the dialysate's electrolyte concentration. When the dialyzer is bypassed, the dialysate flow path changes, which can lead to an altered conductivity reading and trigger the alarm. This is a common operational event that technicians should anticipate.

A patient experiences cardiac arrest while receiving hemodialysis. Which of these steps needs to be completed first?

Answer: Call for help.

In any medical emergency, the immediate priority is to ensure patient safety and activate the emergency response system. Calling for help (e.g., Code Blue) is the crucial first step to bring additional trained personnel and resources to manage the cardiac arrest. Other actions, while important, follow after help has been summoned.

Mr. Jones weighs 72 kg in dry form. At the end of the last therapy, he weighed 73 kg. He is 75.5 kg today. Assume that 500 ml total for the rinse back and prime. What is Mr. Jones' objective for today's fluid removal?

Answer: 4.0 liters or 4000 ml

To calculate the fluid removal objective, first determine the excess weight: 75.5 kg (current) - 72 kg (dry weight) = 3.5 kg. Since 1 kg of fluid equals 1 liter, this is 3.5 liters. Then, add the volume for rinse back and prime, which is 500 ml or 0.5 liters. The total fluid removal objective is 3.5 liters + 0.5 liters = 4.0 liters.

A patient specimen should be labeled at the following time:

Answer: Immediately after collection

Patient specimens must be labeled immediately after collection at the patient's bedside. This critical step prevents misidentification errors, which can have severe consequences for patient care and diagnosis. Delaying labeling or labeling away from the patient increases the risk of mix-ups.

What year saw the creation of the first American Medical Association code of ethics?

Answer: 1847

The American Medical Association (AMA) was founded in 1847, and its first code of medical ethics was adopted in the same year. This foundational document established principles for medical professionalism, patient welfare, and physician conduct in the United States. It remains a significant historical milestone in medical ethics.

A male patient has been receiving care from a female technician for a while. The patient describes to the technician how lonely and down he is. He invites the technician to join him for supper. Which step should be taken in addition to graciously declining the patient's invitation?

Answer: refer the patient to a social worker

Maintaining professional boundaries is paramount in healthcare. While graciously declining the invitation is correct, the patient's expression of loneliness and desire for socialization indicates a potential psychosocial need. Referring the patient to a social worker is the most appropriate action to address these underlying concerns professionally and ethically.

What laboratory results are tracked to evaluate bone disease?

Answer: calcium, phosphorus, PTH

To evaluate bone disease, especially in patients with kidney conditions, specific laboratory results are tracked. Calcium and phosphorus levels are crucial as they are directly involved in bone formation and breakdown. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates these minerals, and its levels are a key indicator of bone metabolism and the progression of renal osteodystrophy.

Which of the following statements about a fistula is true?

Answer: usually created in the forearm, near the wrist

An arteriovenous (AV) fistula is the preferred type of vascular access for hemodialysis due to its durability and lower complication rates. It is surgically created by connecting an artery and a vein, most commonly in the forearm near the wrist, to provide a robust blood flow necessary for effective dialysis treatment.

Which of the following situations might be a problem for a doctor?

Answer: balancing the cost of treatment against the advantage of the treatment

Doctors face a significant challenge in balancing the potential benefits of a medical treatment against its financial cost to the patient and healthcare system. This ethical dilemma requires careful consideration to ensure patients receive effective care without undue financial burden. Other options relate to administrative or policy roles, which are typically not the primary professional problem for a doctor in direct patient care.

Which of the following brand and generic names are mismatched?

Answer: Miglitol/Glucophage

Glucophage is the brand name for the generic drug metformin, which is widely used to treat type 2 diabetes. Miglitol is a different generic medication, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, whose brand name is Glyset. Therefore, pairing Miglitol with Glucophage incorrectly matches two distinct drugs.

Which one of the following trade names does not accurately correspond to its generic name?

Answer: Bentcard, Olmesartan

Olmesartan is a generic medication used to treat high blood pressure, and its well-known brand name is Benicar. The option 'Bentcard' is a misspelling of Benicar, making this the incorrect match between the trade name and its generic counterpart. Evista (raloxifene) and Cialis (tadalafil) are correctly matched brand and generic names.