Hemodialysis Technician Flashcards

A hemodialysis patient's 'dry weight' is defined as:

Answer: The patient's target weight without excess fluid retention, at which the patient is euvolemic

Dry weight (target weight) is the lowest weight a patient can tolerate without symptoms of dehydration, representing a state of normal fluid balance with no edema or hypertension from fluid overload.

Which clinical presentation is most indicative of an air embolism during hemodialysis?

Answer: Sudden chest pain, coughing, dyspnea, and cyanosis

Air embolism presents acutely with chest pain, cough, and cyanosis as air enters the venous circulation and obstructs pulmonary blood flow; it requires immediate clamping of the venous line and patient positioning.

What is the recommended blood flow rate (Qb) for most adult hemodialysis patients?

Answer: 200–400 mL/min

A blood flow rate of 200–400 mL/min is standard for adult hemodialysis, balancing adequate solute clearance with hemodynamic stability and access flow capacity.

Which dietary restrictions are most critical for patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis?

Answer: Low potassium and low phosphorus intake

Hemodialysis patients must restrict potassium (to prevent arrhythmias) and phosphorus (to prevent renal osteodystrophy and cardiovascular calcification) because the kidneys can no longer excrete these minerals.

When palpating an AV fistula, the term 'thrill' refers to:

Answer: A buzzing or vibrating sensation felt on palpation over the fistula

A thrill is the palpable vibration over a functioning AV fistula caused by turbulent blood flow at the arteriovenous anastomosis, indicating the fistula is patent and functional.

When a hemodialysis machine alarm indicates low arterial pressure, the technician's first action should be to:

Answer: Check for kinks in the blood lines, assess vascular access, and evaluate the patient for hypotension

Low arterial pressure alarm indicates inadequate blood flow into the circuit; the technician should systematically check for mechanical causes (kinks, clamp, access collapse) and assess the patient's hemodynamic status.

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the dialyzer in the hemodialysis circuit?

Answer: To serve as an artificial kidney by filtering waste products and excess fluid across a semipermeable membrane

The dialyzer contains thousands of hollow fibers that act as a semipermeable membrane, allowing diffusion of small waste molecules and ultrafiltration of fluid while retaining blood cells and large proteins.