ILLINOIS DIALYSIS TECHNICIAN
CERTIFICATION EXAM, PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
1. The primary function of a hemodialysis machine is to:
A. Remove blood clots
B. Filter waste products from the blood
C. Increase blood pressure
D. Supply oxygen to blood
Rationale: Hemodialysis removes toxins and excess fluids when the
kidneys are unable to function properly.
2. What is the purpose of ultrafiltration in dialysis?
A. Measure blood pressure
B. Remove excess fluid from the blood
C. Administer medication
D. Prevent infection
Rationale: Ultrafiltration is the process of fluid removal across a
semipermeable membrane.
3. The most common vascular access for long-term hemodialysis is:
A. Central venous catheter
B. Arteriovenous fistula
C. Peripheral IV line
D. Subcutaneous port
, Rationale: AV fistulas have the lowest risk of infection and
thrombosis and are preferred for chronic dialysis.
4. Which electrolyte imbalance is a major concern during dialysis?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypophosphatemia
Rationale: High potassium levels can cause life-threatening
cardiac arrhythmias.
5. Dialysate composition is important because it:
A. Cleans the dialyzer
B. Helps correct electrolyte imbalances
C. Warms the patient
D. Sterilizes the blood
Rationale: Dialysate contains electrolytes and bicarbonate to
balance blood chemistry.
6. The primary function of the dialyzer is:
A. Administer medications
B. Pump blood
C. Act as an artificial kidney to filter waste
D. Monitor vital signs
Rationale: The dialyzer contains a semipermeable membrane that
removes waste products.
7. Heparin is commonly used during dialysis to:
A. Increase blood pressure
B. Promote urine output
C. Prevent clotting in the extracorporeal circuit
D. Reduce inflammation
, Rationale: Anticoagulation prevents clot formation in the dialysis
circuit.
8. Which of the following is a potential complication of AV fistulas?
A. Infection only
B. Thrombosis or stenosis
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypotension
Rationale: AV fistulas can develop clotting or narrowing, reducing
blood flow.
9. Dialysis patients often require phosphate binders because:
A. Kidneys cannot excrete phosphate effectively
B. They need more calcium
C. To prevent anemia
D. To lower potassium
Rationale: Phosphate retention is common in CKD, leading to bone
and cardiovascular issues.
10. A patient shows muscle cramps and hypotension during
dialysis. This is likely due to:
A. Hypervolemia
B. Rapid fluid removal
C. Electrolyte overdose
D. Infection
Rationale: Rapid ultrafiltration can cause intradialytic hypotension
and cramping.
11. Blood flow rate during dialysis is typically:
A. 50–100 mL/min
B. 200–400 mL/min
C. 300–500 mL/min
D. 600–800 mL/min
CERTIFICATION EXAM, PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
1. The primary function of a hemodialysis machine is to:
A. Remove blood clots
B. Filter waste products from the blood
C. Increase blood pressure
D. Supply oxygen to blood
Rationale: Hemodialysis removes toxins and excess fluids when the
kidneys are unable to function properly.
2. What is the purpose of ultrafiltration in dialysis?
A. Measure blood pressure
B. Remove excess fluid from the blood
C. Administer medication
D. Prevent infection
Rationale: Ultrafiltration is the process of fluid removal across a
semipermeable membrane.
3. The most common vascular access for long-term hemodialysis is:
A. Central venous catheter
B. Arteriovenous fistula
C. Peripheral IV line
D. Subcutaneous port
, Rationale: AV fistulas have the lowest risk of infection and
thrombosis and are preferred for chronic dialysis.
4. Which electrolyte imbalance is a major concern during dialysis?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypophosphatemia
Rationale: High potassium levels can cause life-threatening
cardiac arrhythmias.
5. Dialysate composition is important because it:
A. Cleans the dialyzer
B. Helps correct electrolyte imbalances
C. Warms the patient
D. Sterilizes the blood
Rationale: Dialysate contains electrolytes and bicarbonate to
balance blood chemistry.
6. The primary function of the dialyzer is:
A. Administer medications
B. Pump blood
C. Act as an artificial kidney to filter waste
D. Monitor vital signs
Rationale: The dialyzer contains a semipermeable membrane that
removes waste products.
7. Heparin is commonly used during dialysis to:
A. Increase blood pressure
B. Promote urine output
C. Prevent clotting in the extracorporeal circuit
D. Reduce inflammation
, Rationale: Anticoagulation prevents clot formation in the dialysis
circuit.
8. Which of the following is a potential complication of AV fistulas?
A. Infection only
B. Thrombosis or stenosis
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypotension
Rationale: AV fistulas can develop clotting or narrowing, reducing
blood flow.
9. Dialysis patients often require phosphate binders because:
A. Kidneys cannot excrete phosphate effectively
B. They need more calcium
C. To prevent anemia
D. To lower potassium
Rationale: Phosphate retention is common in CKD, leading to bone
and cardiovascular issues.
10. A patient shows muscle cramps and hypotension during
dialysis. This is likely due to:
A. Hypervolemia
B. Rapid fluid removal
C. Electrolyte overdose
D. Infection
Rationale: Rapid ultrafiltration can cause intradialytic hypotension
and cramping.
11. Blood flow rate during dialysis is typically:
A. 50–100 mL/min
B. 200–400 mL/min
C. 300–500 mL/min
D. 600–800 mL/min
