CALIFORNIA CERTIFIED HEMODIALYSIS TECHNICIAN EXAM (CHT EXAM) QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF.
*Core Domains*
Patient Assessment and MonitoringHemodialysis Machine Operation and SafetyVascular Access Care
and ManagementWater Treatment Systems and Dialysate CompositionInfection Control and Universal
PrecautionsDialysis Principles and PhysiologyLegal, Ethical, and Professional StandardsEmergency
Procedures and Troubleshooting
*Introduction*
The California Certified Hemodialysis Technician exam is designed to assess the competency and
readiness of practitioners entering the field of renal replacement therapy. The purpose of this examination
is to ensure that candidates possess the specialized knowledge required to perform dialysis procedures
safely and effectively. This assessment covers foundational theory, clinical application, and the regulatory
environment governing dialysis facilities. The exam utilizes a series of multiple-choice and scenario-based
questions to measure the candidate's ability to apply clinical knowledge to real-world patient care,
prioritize safety during technical complications, and adhere to strict professional and ethical standards in a
high-stakes clinical environment.
Section One: Questions 1–100
,Which of the following is the primary purpose of the dialysis machine's blood leak detector?
A. To measure blood flow rate
B. To monitor arterial pressure
C. To detect the presence of red blood cells in the dialysate
D. To regulate the transmembrane pressure
🟢 C. To detect the presence of red blood cells in the dialysate
🔴 RATIONALE: The blood leak detector uses an optical sensor to identify hemolysis or membrane
rupture by detecting hemoglobin in the spent dialysate.
A patient experiences a sudden drop in blood pressure during the third hour of treatment. What is
the most appropriate first action?
A. Administer a saline bolus
B. Decrease the ultrafiltration rate
C. Trendelenburg position
D. Increase the blood flow rate
🟢 B. Decrease the ultrafiltration rate
🔴 RATIONALE: Reducing the ultrafiltration rate is the primary intervention for hypotension to stop
fluid removal while evaluating the patient's status.
Which of the following is an example of an internal AV fistula complication?
A. Hematoma
B. Stenosis
C. Aneurysm
D. All of the above
🟢 D. All of the above
🔴 RATIONALE: All listed options are common clinical complications associated with the maturation
and long-term use of arteriovenous fistulas.
,The water treatment system uses a carbon tank primarily to remove:
A. Bacteria
B. Endotoxins
C. Chlorine/Chloramines
D. Dissolved salts
🟢 C. Chlorine/Chloramines
🔴 RATIONALE: Carbon tanks are specifically utilized to adsorb chlorine and chloramines, which
are toxic to red blood cells if they enter the dialysate.
How often should the conductivity and pH of the final dialysate be verified manually?
A. Every 30 minutes
B. Once per treatment
C. Before every treatment
D. Only when the machine alarms
🟢 C. Before every treatment
🔴 RATIONALE: Manual verification is a critical safety step required prior to initiating treatment to
ensure the dialysate composition is safe for the patient.
Which substance is commonly used to prevent clotting in the extracorporeal circuit?
A. Epogen
B. Heparin
C. Vancomycin
D. Normal Saline
🟢 B. Heparin
🔴 RATIONALE: Heparin is an anticoagulant administered to prevent blood from clotting within the
dialyzer and bloodlines during the procedure.
, What is the normal range for serum potassium in a healthy adult?
A. 1.5 – 2.5 mEq/L
B. 3.5 – 5.0 mEq/L
C. 5.5 – 7.0 mEq/L
D. 7.5 – 9.0 mEq/L
🟢 B. 3.5 – 5.0 mEq/L
🔴 RATIONALE: The normal physiological range for serum potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L; levels
above this are classified as hyperkalemia.
When cannulating an AV fistula, which angle should the needle be inserted?
A. 15 to 25 degrees
B. 45 to 60 degrees
C. 80 to 90 degrees
D. 0 to 5 degrees
🟢 A. 15 to 25 degrees
🔴 RATIONALE: An insertion angle of 15 to 25 degrees is recommended to properly enter the
vessel without puncturing the back wall.
What does the "transmembrane pressure" (TMP) represent?
A. The pressure difference between the blood and dialysate sides of the dialyzer membrane
B. The total pressure of the blood pump
C. The temperature of the dialysate
D. The flow rate of the venous return
🟢 A. The pressure difference between the blood and dialysate sides of the dialyzer membrane
🔴 RATIONALE: TMP is the pressure gradient across the dialyzer membrane, which dictates the
amount of fluid being removed through ultrafiltration.
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF.
*Core Domains*
Patient Assessment and MonitoringHemodialysis Machine Operation and SafetyVascular Access Care
and ManagementWater Treatment Systems and Dialysate CompositionInfection Control and Universal
PrecautionsDialysis Principles and PhysiologyLegal, Ethical, and Professional StandardsEmergency
Procedures and Troubleshooting
*Introduction*
The California Certified Hemodialysis Technician exam is designed to assess the competency and
readiness of practitioners entering the field of renal replacement therapy. The purpose of this examination
is to ensure that candidates possess the specialized knowledge required to perform dialysis procedures
safely and effectively. This assessment covers foundational theory, clinical application, and the regulatory
environment governing dialysis facilities. The exam utilizes a series of multiple-choice and scenario-based
questions to measure the candidate's ability to apply clinical knowledge to real-world patient care,
prioritize safety during technical complications, and adhere to strict professional and ethical standards in a
high-stakes clinical environment.
Section One: Questions 1–100
,Which of the following is the primary purpose of the dialysis machine's blood leak detector?
A. To measure blood flow rate
B. To monitor arterial pressure
C. To detect the presence of red blood cells in the dialysate
D. To regulate the transmembrane pressure
🟢 C. To detect the presence of red blood cells in the dialysate
🔴 RATIONALE: The blood leak detector uses an optical sensor to identify hemolysis or membrane
rupture by detecting hemoglobin in the spent dialysate.
A patient experiences a sudden drop in blood pressure during the third hour of treatment. What is
the most appropriate first action?
A. Administer a saline bolus
B. Decrease the ultrafiltration rate
C. Trendelenburg position
D. Increase the blood flow rate
🟢 B. Decrease the ultrafiltration rate
🔴 RATIONALE: Reducing the ultrafiltration rate is the primary intervention for hypotension to stop
fluid removal while evaluating the patient's status.
Which of the following is an example of an internal AV fistula complication?
A. Hematoma
B. Stenosis
C. Aneurysm
D. All of the above
🟢 D. All of the above
🔴 RATIONALE: All listed options are common clinical complications associated with the maturation
and long-term use of arteriovenous fistulas.
,The water treatment system uses a carbon tank primarily to remove:
A. Bacteria
B. Endotoxins
C. Chlorine/Chloramines
D. Dissolved salts
🟢 C. Chlorine/Chloramines
🔴 RATIONALE: Carbon tanks are specifically utilized to adsorb chlorine and chloramines, which
are toxic to red blood cells if they enter the dialysate.
How often should the conductivity and pH of the final dialysate be verified manually?
A. Every 30 minutes
B. Once per treatment
C. Before every treatment
D. Only when the machine alarms
🟢 C. Before every treatment
🔴 RATIONALE: Manual verification is a critical safety step required prior to initiating treatment to
ensure the dialysate composition is safe for the patient.
Which substance is commonly used to prevent clotting in the extracorporeal circuit?
A. Epogen
B. Heparin
C. Vancomycin
D. Normal Saline
🟢 B. Heparin
🔴 RATIONALE: Heparin is an anticoagulant administered to prevent blood from clotting within the
dialyzer and bloodlines during the procedure.
, What is the normal range for serum potassium in a healthy adult?
A. 1.5 – 2.5 mEq/L
B. 3.5 – 5.0 mEq/L
C. 5.5 – 7.0 mEq/L
D. 7.5 – 9.0 mEq/L
🟢 B. 3.5 – 5.0 mEq/L
🔴 RATIONALE: The normal physiological range for serum potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L; levels
above this are classified as hyperkalemia.
When cannulating an AV fistula, which angle should the needle be inserted?
A. 15 to 25 degrees
B. 45 to 60 degrees
C. 80 to 90 degrees
D. 0 to 5 degrees
🟢 A. 15 to 25 degrees
🔴 RATIONALE: An insertion angle of 15 to 25 degrees is recommended to properly enter the
vessel without puncturing the back wall.
What does the "transmembrane pressure" (TMP) represent?
A. The pressure difference between the blood and dialysate sides of the dialyzer membrane
B. The total pressure of the blood pump
C. The temperature of the dialysate
D. The flow rate of the venous return
🟢 A. The pressure difference between the blood and dialysate sides of the dialyzer membrane
🔴 RATIONALE: TMP is the pressure gradient across the dialyzer membrane, which dictates the
amount of fluid being removed through ultrafiltration.
