Examination Practice Questions And

Illinois Dialysis Technician Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

Question 1: What is the primary function of a hemodialysis machine?

• Administer medications
• Remove waste and excess fluid from the blood
• Measure blood pressure
• Perform blood transfusions

Rationale: The hemodialysis machine filters the patient’s blood to remove

toxins and extra fluid that the kidneys cannot eliminate.

Question 2: Which type of vascular access is considered the gold standard

for long-term hemodialysis? 1 / 4

• Central venous catheter
• Peripheral IV
• Arteriovenous fistula (AVF)
• Arteriovenous graft

Rationale: AV fistulas have the lowest complication rates and longest

patency for long-term hemodialysis.

Question 3: What is the most common complication of a central venous

catheter used for dialysis?

• Hypotension
• Hyperkalemia
• Infection
• Thrombocytopenia

Rationale: Central venous catheters have a higher risk of bloodstream

infections compared to AV fistulas or grafts.

Question 4: Which of the following electrolyte imbalances is most

dangerous for dialysis patients?

• Hypocalcemia
• Hyponatremia
• Hypokalemia
• Hyperkalemia 2 / 4

Rationale: Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias if

not promptly corrected.

Question 5: What is the purpose of heparin during dialysis?

• To increase blood pressure
• To reduce potassium levels
• To prevent clotting in the extracorporeal circuit
• To disinfect the dialyzer

Rationale: Heparin is an anticoagulant that keeps blood from clotting while

circulating through the dialysis machine.

Question 6: Which of the following is a common symptom of hypotension

during dialysis?

• Fever
• Dizziness
• Cough
• Rash

Rationale: Low blood pressure during dialysis can cause dizziness, weakness,

and fainting.

Question 7: What does Kt/V measure in dialysis?

• Potassium levels 3 / 4

• Dialysis adequacy
• Blood pressure
• Hemoglobin levels

Rationale: Kt/V is a calculation used to determine if the patient’s dialysis

session effectively removes sufficient waste.

Question 8: What is the most important action when a patient develops a

fever during dialysis?

• Increase blood flow
• Give antihypertensives
• Stop dialysis and notify the nurse/physician
• Administer fluids

Rationale: Fever may indicate infection or contamination, requiring

immediate intervention.

Question 9: Which lab value is most closely monitored to prevent anemia in

dialysis patients?

• Potassium
• Sodium
• Calcium
• Hemoglobin
• / 4