Clinical Annual Competency Exam – Fresenius
2023 Update Q&A
The adequacy of a dialysis treatment may be compromised by - ANS-Inadequate
Heparinization
Routine post dialysis treatment documentation on the patients dialysis treatment record
should include patients blood pressure and temperature both - ANS-Post reinfusion and
prior to disconnection
Individual acid containers should be labeled with - ANS-Chemical content
The patient complains of pain at the catheter exit site. What would the PCT do first? -
ANS-Notify the RN
Which of these findings noted on a safety check would indicate that an intervention is
needed. - ANS-Hemosafe is in place and secure on the arterial line (hemosafe clamp
should be secured on the venous line)
The patient presents to the dialysis center with a pulse rate of 44/bpm but doesn't
appear to be in distress. What should be the dialysis technicians immediate action? -
ANS-Notify the RN
Documentation and interpretation of the KECN (clearance effective by conductivity)
results can assist the staff member in - ANS-Assessment for possible clotting in the
dialyzer
Which of the following would minimize bacterial growth in the water treatment system? -
ANS-Circulation of water during the day only
A major factor affecting ultrafiltration is - ANS-Pressure
Pre-treatment evaluation of an internal vascular access includes - ANS-Palpating for a
thrill
A patient having a dialysis treatment complains of feeling dizzy, and begins to yawn.
These symptoms are most likely to indicate that the patient has - ANS-Hypotension
If a blood leak detector alarms a second time and no visible blood is noted, what should
the PCT do next? - ANS-Check the dialysate effluent with a blood leak test indicator
Which has the most impact on dialyzer clearance? - ANS-Surface area of the dialyzer
The patient exhibits signs of hemolysis. What is the appropriate action to take? - ANS-
Turn the blood pump off, clamp the venous line.
, Softener tanks remove - ANS-Calcium and magnesium
During dialysis a patient has a cardiac arrest. Which action should be completed on the
dialysis machine before the machine is used by another patient? - ANS-Technical must
perform a functional test on the machine.
The following KECN's are noted: the results indicate a
Time KECN. TIME KECN
00:15. 268. 01:45. 243
00:45. 254. 02:15. 240
01:15. 242. 02:45. 238 - ANS-Low clearance, hold heparin dose
The arterial needle is placed - ANS-Either with or against the flow of blood
An important factor in achieving adequacy during machine set up is - ANS-Priming the
dialyzer venous end up
The FMC program that utilizes technology to improve our patient care is - ANS-Ultra
Care
The component of the dialysate that helps treat acidosis is - ANS-Bicarbonate
The PCT notices the patient yawning toward the end of treatment. The PCT should take
which action immediately - ANS-Check the patient blood pressure
Several patients with normal pre-dialysis temperatures develop sudden chills and a
spike in temperature. This situation is most likely caused by - ANS-Presence of
endotoxins in the dialysate
What is the correct blood flow rate for priming the dialyzer - ANS-150 ml/min
What is NOT true when cannulating a new AVF? - ANS-Use of a tourniquet is optional
when cannulating a new AVF
If bicarbonate concentrate jugs are used, the frequency for disinfecting jugs is - ANS-
Weekly
Using the sodium variation module during the dialysis treatment will - ANS-Aid in fluid
removal
Oral nutrition supplements are given to FMS in-center dialysis patients who are
malnourished while they are at the dialysis facility for what reason? - ANS-To improve
nutritional status and ensure compliance with oral intake and reduce the risk of
morbidity and mortality
2023 Update Q&A
The adequacy of a dialysis treatment may be compromised by - ANS-Inadequate
Heparinization
Routine post dialysis treatment documentation on the patients dialysis treatment record
should include patients blood pressure and temperature both - ANS-Post reinfusion and
prior to disconnection
Individual acid containers should be labeled with - ANS-Chemical content
The patient complains of pain at the catheter exit site. What would the PCT do first? -
ANS-Notify the RN
Which of these findings noted on a safety check would indicate that an intervention is
needed. - ANS-Hemosafe is in place and secure on the arterial line (hemosafe clamp
should be secured on the venous line)
The patient presents to the dialysis center with a pulse rate of 44/bpm but doesn't
appear to be in distress. What should be the dialysis technicians immediate action? -
ANS-Notify the RN
Documentation and interpretation of the KECN (clearance effective by conductivity)
results can assist the staff member in - ANS-Assessment for possible clotting in the
dialyzer
Which of the following would minimize bacterial growth in the water treatment system? -
ANS-Circulation of water during the day only
A major factor affecting ultrafiltration is - ANS-Pressure
Pre-treatment evaluation of an internal vascular access includes - ANS-Palpating for a
thrill
A patient having a dialysis treatment complains of feeling dizzy, and begins to yawn.
These symptoms are most likely to indicate that the patient has - ANS-Hypotension
If a blood leak detector alarms a second time and no visible blood is noted, what should
the PCT do next? - ANS-Check the dialysate effluent with a blood leak test indicator
Which has the most impact on dialyzer clearance? - ANS-Surface area of the dialyzer
The patient exhibits signs of hemolysis. What is the appropriate action to take? - ANS-
Turn the blood pump off, clamp the venous line.
, Softener tanks remove - ANS-Calcium and magnesium
During dialysis a patient has a cardiac arrest. Which action should be completed on the
dialysis machine before the machine is used by another patient? - ANS-Technical must
perform a functional test on the machine.
The following KECN's are noted: the results indicate a
Time KECN. TIME KECN
00:15. 268. 01:45. 243
00:45. 254. 02:15. 240
01:15. 242. 02:45. 238 - ANS-Low clearance, hold heparin dose
The arterial needle is placed - ANS-Either with or against the flow of blood
An important factor in achieving adequacy during machine set up is - ANS-Priming the
dialyzer venous end up
The FMC program that utilizes technology to improve our patient care is - ANS-Ultra
Care
The component of the dialysate that helps treat acidosis is - ANS-Bicarbonate
The PCT notices the patient yawning toward the end of treatment. The PCT should take
which action immediately - ANS-Check the patient blood pressure
Several patients with normal pre-dialysis temperatures develop sudden chills and a
spike in temperature. This situation is most likely caused by - ANS-Presence of
endotoxins in the dialysate
What is the correct blood flow rate for priming the dialyzer - ANS-150 ml/min
What is NOT true when cannulating a new AVF? - ANS-Use of a tourniquet is optional
when cannulating a new AVF
If bicarbonate concentrate jugs are used, the frequency for disinfecting jugs is - ANS-
Weekly
Using the sodium variation module during the dialysis treatment will - ANS-Aid in fluid
removal
Oral nutrition supplements are given to FMS in-center dialysis patients who are
malnourished while they are at the dialysis facility for what reason? - ANS-To improve
nutritional status and ensure compliance with oral intake and reduce the risk of
morbidity and mortality
