Free Certified Hemodialysis Technician Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the US, the following factors are the most typical causes of chronic kidney disease:
- glomerulonephritis
- polycystic kidney disease
- diabetes (Correct answer)
- hypertension
Correct answer: diabetes
The most frequent cause of chronic renal failure (CRF) in the US is diabetes mellitus. Future incidence of CRF may increase due to the rise in type 2 <br> diabetes (which affects 90% of diabetic patients) brought on by the obesity epidemic. The most likely cause of diabetic nephropathy is endovascular <br>
injury to the renal arteries. The second most common factor causing CRF is hypertension. The so-called essential type, in which the precise reason is <br>
uncertain, predominates. In the first few years of this decade, kidney failure due to hypertension affected around 27% of dialysis patients. With its <br>
harmful effects, hypertension can also be brought on by renal disease or renal artery stenosis. Among other causes of CRF are glomerular illnesses <br>
polycystic illness, too. Cancer, kidney infections, AIDS, systemic lupus erythematosus, and sickle cell disease are less frequent causes of CRF.
Question 2: Which of the following conditions has the LOWEST CHANCE of being brought on by uremia?
- anemia
- urinary tract infection (Correct answer)
- itching
- edema (swelling) of the extremities
Correct answer: urinary tract infection
Itching, myalgias, dyspnea or edema from fluid retention, skin pallor or yellowish cast, foamy urine (due to protein), and nocturia are some of the <br>
typical symptoms of uremia. Uremia is the term used to describe a constellation of symptoms resulting from kidney failure, with a resulting <br>
buildup of waste products in the circulation (e.g., urea). The nephrotic syndrome is defined as a loss of protein in the urine greater than 3.5 g/d <br>
and may contribute to excessive fluid retention. These symptoms frequently appear gradually, thus it is advised to check on the patient frequently. <br>
Although hemodialysis may lessen uremic symptoms, it only replicates around 15% of normal kidney function. As a result, more frequent and <br>
prolonged if the symptoms continue, hemodialysis can be recommended. Uremia does not induce urinary tract infections; rather, bacteria are introduced.
Question 3: Chronic renal failure is accompanied by ALL OF THE FOLLOWING, EXCEPT:
- hypoparathyroidism (Correct answer)
- hyperkalemia
- hyperphosphatemia
- low hemoglobin
Correct answer: hypoparathyroidism
Chronic renal failure is characterized by a wide range of blood, protein, and electrolyte abnormalities. Due to recurrent blood loss, iron deficiency, <br>
and decreased erythropoietin secretion by the sick kidney, anemia is a relatively prevalent condition. Inadequate calcitriol impairs calcium <br>
absorption, while insufficient tubular excretion of phosphate causes high phosphate levels. The parathyroid gland is stimulated by a low calcium <br>
level to create more parathyroid hormone, resulting in secondary hyperparathyroidism. Calcium buildup in the heart and blood vessels could <br>
develop from this. These individuals frequently have elevated potassium levels, which could be fatal.
Question 4: How many kidneys are still functioning one year after transplantation?
- 30%
- 50%
- 70%
- 90% (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 90%
A common kind of treatment for chronic renal illness is kidney transplantation. In the US, about 15,000 are carried out annually. The kidney <br>
transplant recipient may get a living related donor (such as a spouse or friend) or a cadaver kidney, which is typically from a non-related person <br>
who just passed away. The patient is often matched from the national donor list in the latter scenario. In all situations, blood and tissue type <br>
(human leukocyte antigen) matching is crucial for the survival of the organ in the recipient, and living donors should be in good physical and <br>
mental health. Up to 20 years or longer may pass after a kidney transplant, almost invariably with the use of immunosuppressive medications that <br>
reduce the risk of rejection of disapproval. At one year after surgery, between 89% and 95% of transplanted kidneys are functioning.
Question 5: Which hemodialysis regimen is most likely to be effective?
- Short daily home hemodialysis, 2–3 hours a session, 5–7 days a week (Correct answer)
- Nocturnal home hemodialysis, 8 hours during sleep, 3 days a week
- In-center hemodialysis, 3–4 hours a session, 3 days a week
- Conventional home hemodialysis
Correct answer: Short daily home hemodialysis, 2–3 hours a session, 5–7 days a week
The majority of hemodialysis in the US is performed in centers, often over three days and three hours per session. The presence of nurses, <br>
technicians, and other patients gives the patient receiving treatment comfort. However, the time commitment could conflict with job schedules or <br>
childcare responsibilities. Some facilities provide hemodialysis at night while the patient stays overnight. Another option is to perform hemodialysis <br>
at home using dialyzers that are made specifically for this purpose. However, both the patient and their spouse or partner must receive training in <br>
proper technique, standard operating procedures, and an emergency action plan. Home hemodialysis performed at night provides for more time <br>
under treatment and has been demonstrated to alleviate several chronic renal disease symptoms. The most effective timetable is probably the one. <br>
The more recent, shorter daily home hemodialysis schedule—which typically lasts 2-3 hours per session, 5-7 days per week—is probably the most <br>
effective. The first two hours of dialysis are the most effective, and the shorter schedule gives patients more time for work and leisure pursuits.
Question 6: Most patients receiving in-center hemodialysis have a hydration restriction equivalent to urine volume/day plus:
- 1 L (Correct answer)
- 2 L
- 0 L
- 0.5 L
Correct answer: 1 L
Dialysis is required to eliminate extra fluid because individuals with end-stage renal failure have little to no urine output. The typical fluid <br>
replacement formula is the amount of urine the patient really produces plus so-called insensible losses (such as breathing, stools, and perspiration),<br>
or about 600 mL/d. An ordinary prescription would therefore be urine volume plus 1 L (4 cups) each day. Every patient's evaluation must pay close <br>
attention to dry weight (post-dialysis weight), indications of dehydration (such as thirst, weight loss, poor skin turgor, hypotension), or fluid <br>
overload (such as edema, pulmonary congestion, and hypertension). Dietary concerns are crucial because these patients frequently experience <br>
malnutrition and loss of appetite, therefore speaking with a dietician with experience in renal failure is highly recommended. Since these patients <br>
frequently experience loss of appetite and malnutrition, dietary concerns are crucial, and discussion with a dietician experienced in renal failure is <br>
frequently required.
Question 7: Patients with renal failure who fail to eliminate beta2-microglobulin are more likely to:
- seizure
- pericarditis
- amyloidosis (Correct answer)
- neuropathy
Correct answer: amyloidosis
A protein found in abundance in bodily fluids and on cell surfaces is called beta2-microglobulin. It is a protein that comes before the amyloid <br>
protein, which is created when beta2-microglobulin penetrates tissues and transforms into amyloid. Beta2-microglobulin is excreted by healthy <br>
kidneys, but when the kidneys are failing, levels rise, leading to a condition known as amyloidosis. Carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, bone cysts, <br>
compression fractures, and cutaneous bleeding could all result from this. After 10 years, over 20% of hemodialysis patients have amyloidosis, and <br>
after 29 years, 80%–100%. Peripheral neuropathy and pericarditis are frequent in chronic renal illness, both of which are most likely caused by <br>
insufficient excretion of neurotoxic chemicals. Seizures are possible but typically result from incorrect electrolytes, particularly hyponatremia.