Fresenius annual competency study guide

Bicarbonate (HCO3) is - Answer- a buffer that helps maintain a constant pH in a solution even if an acid or base is added Symptoms of fluid overload - Answer- Edema/pitting edema, productive cough, SOB, increased BP, bounding pulse, neck vein distention, cyanosis,, anxiety, restlessness, confusion Osmosis is - Answer- The movement of fluid through a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lesser solute concentration to an area of greater solute concentration until equilibrium is reached Symptoms of dehydration are - Answer- Thirst, dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes, poor skin turgor, low grade temp, decreased urine output, dry skin, weakness, cramping, low bp, and lethargy Dialysate is composed of - Answer- Purified water, acid solutions, and bicarbonate What position should the dialyzer should be in during circulation? - Answer- The dialyzer is circulated with the venous end straight up. When dialyzing a patient, what position should the dialyzer be in during dialysis? - Answer- During dialysis, the dialyzer should be arterial end up What three processes occur in the dialyzer simultaneously? - Answer- Diffusion, osmosis, and ultrafiltration are the three processes that occur as blood passes the semi-permeable membrane What direction does the blood flow through the dialyzer as compared to dialysate flow? - Answer- Blood and dialysate flow in a countercurrent flow, as blood flows down into the dialyzer (arterial to venous)dialysate flows up (venous to arterial)Opposite flow allows better clearance How can you tell if a dialyzer is clotting? - Answer- Indications of clotting dialyzer are rising TMP, rising venous pressure, dark blood in the dialyzer, and air detector alarms. Sign of venous line that is clotting is what? - Answer- Increased venous pressure is a sign of clotting. Possible causes of increased venous pressure: - Answer- Infiltration, malpositioned needle, tubing kinks, clamped tubing, system clotting, or a patient coughing can cause increase venous pressure.