DAVITA PCT FINAL EXAM ACTUAL EXAM 2026
| 2 DIFFERENT VERSIONS | ALL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(ALREADY GRADED A+) | LATEST VERSIONS
Question 1. The primary function of the kidneys includes:
A. Production of red blood cells
B. Regulation of blood pressure
C. Filtering waste products from the blood
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The kidneys perform multiple vital functions, including filtering waste
products (urea, creatinine) from the blood, regulating blood pressure through the renin-
angiotensin-aldosterone system, and producing erythropoietin (EPO) which stimulates
red blood cell production . Understanding these functions is fundamental to nephrology
care and dialysis treatment.
Question 2. What is the normal range for a patient's dry weight adjustment during
hemodialysis?
A. 0.5 to 1.0 kg per session
B. 1.0 to 1.5 kg per session
C. 2.0 to 2.5 kg per session
D. 3.0 to 3.5 kg per session
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A patient's dry weight should be adjusted by 0.5 to 1.0 kg per session based
on clinical assessment . This adjustment accounts for fluid loss and helps prevent
complications such as hypotension or cramping during treatment.
Question 3. Which of the following is the most common cause of chronic kidney
disease (CKD) in the United States?
A. Hypertension
B. Diabetes mellitus
C. Glomerulonephritis
D. Polycystic kidney disease
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease in the United
States, followed by hypertension . Both conditions damage the small blood vessels in
the kidneys, leading to progressive loss of kidney function over time.
Question 4. A patient receiving hemodialysis complains of muscle cramps. What is
the most appropriate initial intervention?
A. Increase the ultrafiltration rate
B. Decrease the ultrafiltration rate
C. Administer normal saline bolus
D. Apply heat packs to the affected area
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Muscle cramps are commonly caused by rapid fluid removal during dialysis.
Decreasing the ultrafiltration rate and administering a normal saline bolus can help
alleviate cramps . Volume replacement and reducing the rate of fluid removal are
appropriate initial interventions.
Question 5. What is the recommended frequency for monitoring a patient's
vascular access during dialysis treatment?
A. Every 15 minutes
B. Every 30 minutes
C. Every 60 minutes
D. At the beginning and end of treatment only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The vascular access should be monitored every 15 minutes during dialysis
treatment . This includes checking for signs of infiltration, hematoma, infection, or
clotting. Frequent monitoring helps identify potential complications early.
Question 6. Which of the following statements about heparin administration
during hemodialysis is correct?
A. Heparin should be administered as a one-time dose only
B. Heparin is used to prevent clotting in the extracorporeal circuit
C. Heparin should be administered after the treatment
D. Heparin is not used in patients with AV fistulas
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Heparin is administered during hemodialysis to prevent blood from clotting
in the extracorporeal circuit (dialyzer and tubing) . It is typically given as a continuous
infusion or as intermittent boluses. The dose should be carefully monitored, as excessive
heparin can lead to bleeding complications.
Question 7. How should a patient with an arteriovenous (AV) fistula be assessed
for patency?
A. Checking for a thrill and bruit
B. Checking for a pulse and color
C. Checking for warmth and edema
D. Checking for capillary refill and sensation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A thrill (vibration felt over the access) and a bruit (whooshing sound heard
with a stethoscope) indicate good blood flow and patency of the AV fistula . Absence of
either may suggest stenosis or thrombosis, requiring immediate attention.
Question 8. What is the most common complication associated with central
venous catheters (CVCs) in hemodialysis patients?
A. Infection
B. Thrombosis
C. Stenosis
D. Hemorrhage
| 2 DIFFERENT VERSIONS | ALL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(ALREADY GRADED A+) | LATEST VERSIONS
Question 1. The primary function of the kidneys includes:
A. Production of red blood cells
B. Regulation of blood pressure
C. Filtering waste products from the blood
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The kidneys perform multiple vital functions, including filtering waste
products (urea, creatinine) from the blood, regulating blood pressure through the renin-
angiotensin-aldosterone system, and producing erythropoietin (EPO) which stimulates
red blood cell production . Understanding these functions is fundamental to nephrology
care and dialysis treatment.
Question 2. What is the normal range for a patient's dry weight adjustment during
hemodialysis?
A. 0.5 to 1.0 kg per session
B. 1.0 to 1.5 kg per session
C. 2.0 to 2.5 kg per session
D. 3.0 to 3.5 kg per session
,Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A patient's dry weight should be adjusted by 0.5 to 1.0 kg per session based
on clinical assessment . This adjustment accounts for fluid loss and helps prevent
complications such as hypotension or cramping during treatment.
Question 3. Which of the following is the most common cause of chronic kidney
disease (CKD) in the United States?
A. Hypertension
B. Diabetes mellitus
C. Glomerulonephritis
D. Polycystic kidney disease
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease in the United
States, followed by hypertension . Both conditions damage the small blood vessels in
the kidneys, leading to progressive loss of kidney function over time.
Question 4. A patient receiving hemodialysis complains of muscle cramps. What is
the most appropriate initial intervention?
A. Increase the ultrafiltration rate
B. Decrease the ultrafiltration rate
C. Administer normal saline bolus
D. Apply heat packs to the affected area
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Muscle cramps are commonly caused by rapid fluid removal during dialysis.
Decreasing the ultrafiltration rate and administering a normal saline bolus can help
alleviate cramps . Volume replacement and reducing the rate of fluid removal are
appropriate initial interventions.
Question 5. What is the recommended frequency for monitoring a patient's
vascular access during dialysis treatment?
A. Every 15 minutes
B. Every 30 minutes
C. Every 60 minutes
D. At the beginning and end of treatment only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The vascular access should be monitored every 15 minutes during dialysis
treatment . This includes checking for signs of infiltration, hematoma, infection, or
clotting. Frequent monitoring helps identify potential complications early.
Question 6. Which of the following statements about heparin administration
during hemodialysis is correct?
A. Heparin should be administered as a one-time dose only
B. Heparin is used to prevent clotting in the extracorporeal circuit
C. Heparin should be administered after the treatment
D. Heparin is not used in patients with AV fistulas
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Heparin is administered during hemodialysis to prevent blood from clotting
in the extracorporeal circuit (dialyzer and tubing) . It is typically given as a continuous
infusion or as intermittent boluses. The dose should be carefully monitored, as excessive
heparin can lead to bleeding complications.
Question 7. How should a patient with an arteriovenous (AV) fistula be assessed
for patency?
A. Checking for a thrill and bruit
B. Checking for a pulse and color
C. Checking for warmth and edema
D. Checking for capillary refill and sensation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A thrill (vibration felt over the access) and a bruit (whooshing sound heard
with a stethoscope) indicate good blood flow and patency of the AV fistula . Absence of
either may suggest stenosis or thrombosis, requiring immediate attention.
Question 8. What is the most common complication associated with central
venous catheters (CVCs) in hemodialysis patients?
A. Infection
B. Thrombosis
C. Stenosis
D. Hemorrhage
