Dialysis Equipment Operation Flashcards
6 cards from real CCHT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Dialysis Equipment Operation flashcards as text
What is the significance of the transmembrane pressure (TMP) reading on a hemodialysis machine?
Answer: It indicates the pressure driving fluid across the dialyzer membrane for ultrafiltration
TMP is the pressure difference across the dialyzer membrane that drives ultrafiltration (fluid removal) from the blood side to the dialysate side.
During dialysis, the blood leak detector alarm activates. What does this indicate and what action should be taken?
Answer: Blood is crossing into the dialysate side; stop treatment and do not return blood
A blood leak detector alarm means dialyzer membrane rupture has occurred; blood must not be returned to the patient due to risk of contamination.
What is the primary function of the bicarbonate proportioning system in modern hemodialysis machines?
Answer: Mix acid and bicarbonate concentrates with purified water to create dialysate
The proportioning system precisely mixes acid concentrate (containing electrolytes) and bicarbonate concentrate with purified water in correct ratios to create dialysate.
Why must hemodialysis machines undergo disinfection between patient treatments?
Answer: To eliminate biofilm and pathogens that could contaminate future patients' blood circuits
Machine disinfection destroys biofilm and pathogens in internal fluid pathways that could contaminate blood circuits and cause bloodstream infections in subsequent patients.
When setting up the extracorporeal circuit, why is it important to prime the blood lines with saline before connecting to the patient?
Answer: Priming removes air from the circuit and tests for leaks before blood enters
Priming removes air bubbles from blood lines and the dialyzer, and allows visual inspection for leaks or defects before the patient is connected.
What does the UF goal represent and how is it determined for each treatment?
Answer: The total volume of fluid to be removed, calculated from weight gain since last treatment
The UF goal is the total fluid volume to be removed, determined by subtracting the patient's dry weight from their current pre-dialysis weight.