NCCT Hemodialysis Technician 2

Question 1

What anticoagulant is most commonly used during hemodialysis to prevent clotting in the extracorporeal circuit?

Accepted Answer

Heparin

Answer

Unfractionated heparin is the standard anticoagulant for hemodialysis because it acts quickly, is reversible with protamine, and can be monitored at the bedside.

Question 2

Ultrafiltration in hemodialysis refers to:

Accepted Answer

Removal of excess fluid from the blood by a transmembrane pressure gradient

Answer

Ultrafiltration uses hydrostatic transmembrane pressure to drive excess water from the blood compartment across the dialyzer membrane into the dialysate compartment.

Question 3

A patient on hemodialysis develops muscle cramps mid-treatment. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Rapid fluid removal or electrolyte imbalance

Answer

Muscle cramps during dialysis are most commonly caused by aggressive ultrafiltration (rapid fluid removal) and associated electrolyte shifts, particularly in hypovolemic patients.

Question 4

The Kt/V measurement in hemodialysis is used to:

Accepted Answer

Quantify the adequacy of the dialysis treatment delivered

Answer

Kt/V is the standard measure of dialysis adequacy, where K = dialyzer clearance, t = treatment time, and V = urea distribution volume; a minimum of 1.2 is recommended.

Question 5

Which laboratory value is most critical to check before starting a hemodialysis session?

Accepted Answer

Serum potassium

Answer

Serum potassium must be assessed pre-dialysis because hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, which dialysis is intended to correct.

NCCT - National Center for Competency Testing Practice Test

NCCT - National Center for Competency Testing Practice Test

NCCT Hemodialysis Technician 2