DAVITA FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS 2026-2027
Explain the four transport mechanisms that play a role in hemodialysis - CORRECT ANSWER -
● Ultrafiltration: Fluid is pushed through a semipermeable membrane.
● Convection
: Or solute drag means that solutes move with the water across the semipermeable membrane.
In this way, convection adds to the clearance achieved through diffusion as solutes are dragged
along with the ultrafiltrate.
● Diffusion
: Is the movement of dissolved particles across a semipermeable membrane from the side with
the higher concentration to the side with the lower concentration. This difference in solute conc
entration on each side of the membrane is called concentration gradient. The higher the concen
tration gradient, the faster diffusion occurs. Once the concentration of a dissolved particle is the
same on both sides of the semipermeable membrane, diffusion stops.
● Osmosis
: Is a chemical process by which dissolved chemicals will migrate from an area of high concentra
tion to one of low
concentration. Essentially if you dissolve something in a liquid, the dissolved compounds (called
solutes) will spread out until there is
an equal concentration of solute everywhere.
What are the kidneys excretory functions - CORRECT ANSWER -
To normalize electrolytes, remove wastes, provide fluid and nutrient balance
,What is the function of the acid concentration - CORRECT ANSWER -
Provides the concentration gradient for diffusion and helps normalize electrolytes
What is the function of bicarbonate - CORRECT ANSWER -Buffers the acid concentrate
Signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia - CORRECT ANSWER -
> 5.5 mEq: extreme muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythm, possible cardiac arrest
Signs and symptoms of hypokalemia - CORRECT ANSWER -
< 3.5 mEq: fatigue, muscle weakness, paralysis, respiratory failure, cardiac instability, arrhythmia
s, cardiac arrest
What are the kidneys endocrine functions - CORRECT ANSWER -
Renin secretion, Erythropoeitin secretion, Vit D Activation
How do we replace normal endocrine kidney functions - CORRECT ANSWER -
Provide medications
How much of normal kidney function is replaced by hemodialysis - CORRECT ANSWER -15%
What is uremia and how does it affect the body? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Uremia is a buildup of wastes in the blood due to kidney failure and affects all body systems.
What are the most common causes of CKD in the usa? - CORRECT ANSWER -Diabetes
Hypertension
Polycystic Kidney Disease
, Outline the treatment goals for a patient with CKD - CORRECT ANSWER --
slowing the progression of ckd
-managing comorbidities and complications
-controlling symptoms
-minimizing the effects of ckd on patients' lifestyles
-kidney replacement therapy modality education
-encouraging patients to actively participate in their healthcare
Why is it important to know what caused your patients CKD - CORRECT ANSWER -
So the nurse and PCT can inquire about possible problems during data collection and assessmen
t
Why is sodium balance important? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Leads to volume expansion, increased cardiac output, increased peripheral vascular resistance,
and increased blood pressure
Signs and symptoms of fluid imbalance - CORRECT ANSWER -
Edema, hypertension, shortness of breath
Systemic effects of CKD what would you advise for a patient who complains of: dry itchy skin, pe
ripheral neuropathy(nerve pain in extremities) and gi problems - CORRECT ANSWER -Use hyper-
fatted soaps and lotions, monitor patient for changes in motor function and inform RN and phys
ician of any bleeding problems/constipation/diarrhea
What is the consequences of prolonged fluid overload and hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER -
Left ventricular hypertrophy
What is Percarditis? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Inflammation of the membrane (pericardial sac) around the heart
CORRECT ANSWERS 2026-2027
Explain the four transport mechanisms that play a role in hemodialysis - CORRECT ANSWER -
● Ultrafiltration: Fluid is pushed through a semipermeable membrane.
● Convection
: Or solute drag means that solutes move with the water across the semipermeable membrane.
In this way, convection adds to the clearance achieved through diffusion as solutes are dragged
along with the ultrafiltrate.
● Diffusion
: Is the movement of dissolved particles across a semipermeable membrane from the side with
the higher concentration to the side with the lower concentration. This difference in solute conc
entration on each side of the membrane is called concentration gradient. The higher the concen
tration gradient, the faster diffusion occurs. Once the concentration of a dissolved particle is the
same on both sides of the semipermeable membrane, diffusion stops.
● Osmosis
: Is a chemical process by which dissolved chemicals will migrate from an area of high concentra
tion to one of low
concentration. Essentially if you dissolve something in a liquid, the dissolved compounds (called
solutes) will spread out until there is
an equal concentration of solute everywhere.
What are the kidneys excretory functions - CORRECT ANSWER -
To normalize electrolytes, remove wastes, provide fluid and nutrient balance
,What is the function of the acid concentration - CORRECT ANSWER -
Provides the concentration gradient for diffusion and helps normalize electrolytes
What is the function of bicarbonate - CORRECT ANSWER -Buffers the acid concentrate
Signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia - CORRECT ANSWER -
> 5.5 mEq: extreme muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythm, possible cardiac arrest
Signs and symptoms of hypokalemia - CORRECT ANSWER -
< 3.5 mEq: fatigue, muscle weakness, paralysis, respiratory failure, cardiac instability, arrhythmia
s, cardiac arrest
What are the kidneys endocrine functions - CORRECT ANSWER -
Renin secretion, Erythropoeitin secretion, Vit D Activation
How do we replace normal endocrine kidney functions - CORRECT ANSWER -
Provide medications
How much of normal kidney function is replaced by hemodialysis - CORRECT ANSWER -15%
What is uremia and how does it affect the body? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Uremia is a buildup of wastes in the blood due to kidney failure and affects all body systems.
What are the most common causes of CKD in the usa? - CORRECT ANSWER -Diabetes
Hypertension
Polycystic Kidney Disease
, Outline the treatment goals for a patient with CKD - CORRECT ANSWER --
slowing the progression of ckd
-managing comorbidities and complications
-controlling symptoms
-minimizing the effects of ckd on patients' lifestyles
-kidney replacement therapy modality education
-encouraging patients to actively participate in their healthcare
Why is it important to know what caused your patients CKD - CORRECT ANSWER -
So the nurse and PCT can inquire about possible problems during data collection and assessmen
t
Why is sodium balance important? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Leads to volume expansion, increased cardiac output, increased peripheral vascular resistance,
and increased blood pressure
Signs and symptoms of fluid imbalance - CORRECT ANSWER -
Edema, hypertension, shortness of breath
Systemic effects of CKD what would you advise for a patient who complains of: dry itchy skin, pe
ripheral neuropathy(nerve pain in extremities) and gi problems - CORRECT ANSWER -Use hyper-
fatted soaps and lotions, monitor patient for changes in motor function and inform RN and phys
ician of any bleeding problems/constipation/diarrhea
What is the consequences of prolonged fluid overload and hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER -
Left ventricular hypertrophy
What is Percarditis? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Inflammation of the membrane (pericardial sac) around the heart
