FREE CCHT Patient and Family Education Questions and Answers

Question 1

When educating a new patient about their arteriovenous (AV) fistula, what is the most important daily self-care check they should be taught to perform?

Accepted Answer

Feel for the 'thrill' and listen for the 'bruit'

Answer

The 'thrill' (a palpable vibration) and the 'bruit' (an audible whooshing sound) are signs of good blood flow through the fistula. Teaching the patient to check for these daily helps in the early detection of potential problems like clotting or stenosis, which could lead to access failure.

Question 2

A patient on hemodialysis should be educated to contact the clinic immediately if they experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Fever and chills

Answer

Fever and chills are classic signs of infection, which can be life-threatening for a dialysis patient. An infection could be related to their vascular access (an access infection) or systemic, and it requires immediate medical evaluation and treatment.

Question 3

What is the primary reason for fluid restrictions for most hemodialysis patients?

Accepted Answer

To prevent large fluid gains between treatments, which can strain the heart

Answer

Since the kidneys are no longer able to remove excess fluid, it accumulates in the body between dialysis sessions. Large fluid gains lead to high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and significant strain on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart failure.

Question 4

When teaching a patient about a renal diet, which three minerals are typically the most important to restrict?

Accepted Answer

Sodium, potassium, and phosphorus

Answer

A renal diet is designed to limit the buildup of waste products and electrolytes that the kidneys can no longer filter effectively. Sodium can cause fluid retention and high blood pressure, high potassium can lead to dangerous heart rhythms, and high phosphorus can cause bone disease.

Question 5

A patient asks why they cannot use lotion on their access site on the day of treatment. What is the best explanation?

Accepted Answer

Lotions can interfere with proper site cleaning and increase infection risk

Answer

Proper disinfection of the cannulation sites is critical to prevent access-related infections. Lotions and creams can create a barrier that prevents the antiseptic from effectively killing bacteria on the skin, and they can also be introduced into the bloodstream during cannulation.

CCHT - Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician Practice Test

CCHT - Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician Practice Test

FREE CCHT Patient and Family Education Questions and Answers