Patient Care 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 Patient Care flashcards as text
What nutritional parameter is most important to monitor in hemodialysis patients to prevent protein-energy wasting (PEW)?
Answer: Normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) and serum albumin
nPCR reflects protein intake adequacy and, combined with albumin as a visceral protein marker, provides the best assessment of protein-energy status in dialysis patients.
How should a CCHT respond to a patient who repeatedly refuses to follow their prescribed dietary restrictions and is consistently arriving with high fluid gains?
Answer: Provide supportive education, involve a social worker and dietitian, and document all interventions without threatening the patient
Non-compliance requires a compassionate, multidisciplinary approach addressing barriers to adherence rather than punitive measures, while documenting all interventions.
What is the recommended frequency for monitoring vital signs during a standard hemodialysis treatment?
Answer: At the start, then every 30 to 60 minutes throughout treatment, and at end
KDOQI guidelines recommend vital signs at initiation and at minimum every 30 to 60 minutes during treatment to detect hemodynamic instability early.
A dialysis patient mentions feeling depressed and that life is not worth living. What is the appropriate response?
Answer: Take the comment seriously, express concern, notify the social worker and charge nurse, and ensure the patient is not left alone
Any statement suggesting suicidal ideation or hopelessness requires immediate safety assessment, notification of the social worker and charge nurse, and ensuring the patient is safe.
Which aspect of patient care is the CCHT responsible for documenting in the treatment record?
Answer: All treatment parameters, vital signs, interventions, patient symptoms, and communications with clinical staff
The CCHT must document a complete record of all treatment parameters, patient responses, vital signs, interventions performed, and communications to ensure legal accountability and continuity of care.
What is the role of the CCHT in a dialysis patient's care conference?
Answer: Provide direct care observations: machine tolerance, access performance, vital sign trends, patient behavior/complaints during treatments
CCHTs spend the most time with patients during treatment and can provide unique observations about hemodynamic tolerance, access function, and patient behavior that inform the care plan.