Hemodialysis Technician Flashcards

What is the primary function of hemodialysis?

Answer: To remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood

Hemodialysis filters the blood to remove uremic waste products, excess electrolytes, and fluid that damaged kidneys can no longer eliminate.

Which vascular access site is considered the 'gold standard' for long-term hemodialysis?

Answer: Arteriovenous fistula

An arteriovenous (AV) fistula is preferred because it has the lowest complication rates, longest patency, and best outcomes for long-term dialysis patients.

What does the dialysate solution used in hemodialysis typically contain?

Answer: Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and bicarbonate

Dialysate is a purified water solution containing electrolytes at physiologic concentrations to facilitate diffusion of waste products out of the blood.

What is the typical duration of a standard hemodialysis treatment session?

Answer: 3–5 hours

Most in-center hemodialysis sessions last 3–5 hours (commonly 4 hours), performed three times per week to achieve adequate solute clearance.

Which complication is most commonly observed during hemodialysis treatments?

Answer: Intradialytic hypotension

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is the most common complication, occurring due to rapid fluid removal, vasodilation, or cardiac dysfunction during treatment.

The process by which waste solutes move from the blood across the dialyzer membrane into the dialysate is called:

Answer: Diffusion

Diffusion is the movement of solutes from an area of higher concentration (blood) to lower concentration (dialysate) across the semipermeable dialyzer membrane.

Before initiating a hemodialysis session, which pre-treatment assessment is most essential?

Answer: Assessing vascular access patency, blood pressure, and patient weight

Pre-treatment assessment must confirm access patency (thrill/bruit), baseline blood pressure, and current weight to calculate the ultrafiltration goal for the session.