Certified Hemodialysis Nurse (CHN) Practice Exam
Question 1: Which statement best describes the primary function of the kidney in a healthy
individual?
A) Regulating blood sugar levels
B) Filtering blood to remove waste and excess fluid
C) Producing digestive enzymes
D) Absorbing vitamins and minerals
Answer: B
Explanation: The kidneys filter blood to eliminate waste and maintain fluid and electrolyte
balance.
Question 2: What is the most common indication for initiating hemodialysis?
A) Chronic pain management
B) End-stage renal disease with declining kidney function
C) Acute liver failure
D) Respiratory distress syndrome
Answer: B
Explanation: Hemodialysis is typically initiated in patients with end-stage renal disease who
have severely reduced kidney function.
Question 3: Which renal replacement therapy involves the direct exchange of blood through an
external filter?
A) Peritoneal dialysis
B) Hemodialysis
C) Kidney transplantation
D) Continuous renal replacement therapy
Answer: B
Explanation: Hemodialysis involves passing blood through an external dialyzer to remove waste
products.
Question 4: Compared to peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis primarily uses which of the
following for solute clearance?
A) The peritoneum as a semipermeable membrane
B) A synthetic dialysis membrane
C) Passive diffusion across the skin
D) The liver’s filtration system
Answer: B
Explanation: Hemodialysis uses a synthetic semipermeable membrane within the dialyzer for
solute exchange.
Question 5: What historical development significantly improved the safety and efficacy of
hemodialysis?
,A) Introduction of homeopathic treatments
B) Development of single-use dialyzers
C) Discovery of antibiotics
D) Invention of the electrocardiogram
Answer: B
Explanation: The development of single-use dialyzers helped reduce the risk of infection and
improved the safety of hemodialysis.
Question 6: Which professional is primarily responsible for preparing and monitoring patients
during hemodialysis?
A) Radiology technician
B) Hemodialysis nurse
C) Dietitian
D) Social worker
Answer: B
Explanation: Hemodialysis nurses are specialized in preparing patients, operating the dialysis
machine, and monitoring treatment.
Question 7: In the context of renal replacement therapies, what is one major advantage of
hemodialysis over kidney transplantation?
A) It permanently cures kidney disease
B) It is less invasive and requires no surgery
C) It is performed less frequently
D) It does not require any vascular access
Answer: B
Explanation: Hemodialysis is non-surgical compared to kidney transplantation, which requires
major surgery and long-term immunosuppression.
Question 8: Which factor is critical when determining a patient’s candidacy for hemodialysis?
A) Age alone
B) Severity of kidney failure and overall clinical condition
C) Occupation
D) Family history of cancer
Answer: B
Explanation: The severity of kidney failure and the patient’s overall clinical condition are key in
determining the need for hemodialysis.
Question 9: How does hemodialysis differ from peritoneal dialysis in terms of fluid removal?
A) Hemodialysis uses ultrafiltration while peritoneal dialysis does not
B) Peritoneal dialysis relies solely on diffusion
C) Hemodialysis uses a dialyzer to remove excess fluid via ultrafiltration
D) Both use identical methods for fluid removal
Answer: C
Explanation: Hemodialysis employs ultrafiltration through the dialyzer, whereas peritoneal
dialysis uses the patient’s peritoneum as a filter.
,Question 10: Which innovation in hemodialysis technology has most contributed to real-time
monitoring of treatment parameters?
A) Manual blood pressure measurement
B) Automated dialysis machines with integrated sensors
C) The introduction of paper charts
D) Increased use of dialysate additives
Answer: B
Explanation: Automated dialysis machines with integrated sensors enable continuous, real-time
monitoring of treatment parameters.
Question 11: Which of the following is a primary goal of renal replacement therapy?
A) To increase red blood cell production
B) To remove accumulated toxins and excess fluids from the blood
C) To boost immune function
D) To cure kidney disease permanently
Answer: B
Explanation: The main objective of renal replacement therapy is to remove toxins and manage
fluid balance.
Question 12: What distinguishes intermittent hemodialysis from continuous renal replacement
therapy (CRRT)?
A) Intermittent hemodialysis is performed continuously for 24 hours
B) CRRT is performed in shorter, scheduled sessions
C) Intermittent hemodialysis is performed over several hours per session, not continuously
D) CRRT does not require a dialysis machine
Answer: C
Explanation: Intermittent hemodialysis is typically performed several times per week over a few
hours per session, unlike CRRT which runs continuously.
Question 13: Which term best describes the gradual decline in kidney function over time that
may eventually necessitate hemodialysis?
A) Acute kidney injury
B) Chronic kidney disease
C) Nephrotic syndrome
D) Glomerulonephritis
Answer: B
Explanation: Chronic kidney disease involves a gradual decline in kidney function and can lead
to the need for hemodialysis.
Question 14: Which of the following best explains the concept of “dialysate” in hemodialysis?
A) A blood substitute used during treatment
B) A specially formulated fluid that removes toxins from the blood
C) An electrolyte supplement taken orally
D) A medication used to manage blood pressure
Answer: B
, Explanation: Dialysate is a specially formulated solution that helps remove waste products from
the blood through diffusion.
Question 15: In the evolution of hemodialysis, what role did the development of the
arteriovenous (AV) fistula play?
A) It reduced the risk of vascular access infections
B) It eliminated the need for any form of dialysis
C) It provided a permanent solution for kidney failure
D) It made blood testing unnecessary
Answer: A
Explanation: The AV fistula improved the longevity and safety of vascular access, reducing
complications such as infections.
Question 16: Which of the following is a significant risk factor for patients who undergo
hemodialysis?
A) Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
B) Risk of vascular access complications
C) Reduced risk of cardiovascular events
D) Higher incidence of skin infections only
Answer: B
Explanation: Patients on hemodialysis are at risk for vascular access complications such as
stenosis, thrombosis, and infection.
Question 17: Which of the following describes a key responsibility of a hemodialysis nurse
during treatment?
A) Prescribing medications for kidney disease
B) Operating and troubleshooting the dialysis machine
C) Performing kidney transplants
D) Designing the dialysate composition
Answer: B
Explanation: Hemodialysis nurses are responsible for operating and troubleshooting the dialysis
machine as well as monitoring patient status.
Question 18: What distinguishes hemodialysis as a treatment modality compared to kidney
transplantation?
A) Hemodialysis involves immunosuppressant therapy
B) Kidney transplantation provides a permanent cure
C) Hemodialysis requires periodic treatments while transplantation involves surgery
D) Transplantation does not require long-term follow-up
Answer: C
Explanation: Hemodialysis is a recurring treatment, while transplantation is a surgical procedure
with its own long-term management issues.
Question 19: Which aspect of the dialysis process relies primarily on the principle of diffusion?
A) Ultrafiltration
B) Solute clearance
Question 1: Which statement best describes the primary function of the kidney in a healthy
individual?
A) Regulating blood sugar levels
B) Filtering blood to remove waste and excess fluid
C) Producing digestive enzymes
D) Absorbing vitamins and minerals
Answer: B
Explanation: The kidneys filter blood to eliminate waste and maintain fluid and electrolyte
balance.
Question 2: What is the most common indication for initiating hemodialysis?
A) Chronic pain management
B) End-stage renal disease with declining kidney function
C) Acute liver failure
D) Respiratory distress syndrome
Answer: B
Explanation: Hemodialysis is typically initiated in patients with end-stage renal disease who
have severely reduced kidney function.
Question 3: Which renal replacement therapy involves the direct exchange of blood through an
external filter?
A) Peritoneal dialysis
B) Hemodialysis
C) Kidney transplantation
D) Continuous renal replacement therapy
Answer: B
Explanation: Hemodialysis involves passing blood through an external dialyzer to remove waste
products.
Question 4: Compared to peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis primarily uses which of the
following for solute clearance?
A) The peritoneum as a semipermeable membrane
B) A synthetic dialysis membrane
C) Passive diffusion across the skin
D) The liver’s filtration system
Answer: B
Explanation: Hemodialysis uses a synthetic semipermeable membrane within the dialyzer for
solute exchange.
Question 5: What historical development significantly improved the safety and efficacy of
hemodialysis?
,A) Introduction of homeopathic treatments
B) Development of single-use dialyzers
C) Discovery of antibiotics
D) Invention of the electrocardiogram
Answer: B
Explanation: The development of single-use dialyzers helped reduce the risk of infection and
improved the safety of hemodialysis.
Question 6: Which professional is primarily responsible for preparing and monitoring patients
during hemodialysis?
A) Radiology technician
B) Hemodialysis nurse
C) Dietitian
D) Social worker
Answer: B
Explanation: Hemodialysis nurses are specialized in preparing patients, operating the dialysis
machine, and monitoring treatment.
Question 7: In the context of renal replacement therapies, what is one major advantage of
hemodialysis over kidney transplantation?
A) It permanently cures kidney disease
B) It is less invasive and requires no surgery
C) It is performed less frequently
D) It does not require any vascular access
Answer: B
Explanation: Hemodialysis is non-surgical compared to kidney transplantation, which requires
major surgery and long-term immunosuppression.
Question 8: Which factor is critical when determining a patient’s candidacy for hemodialysis?
A) Age alone
B) Severity of kidney failure and overall clinical condition
C) Occupation
D) Family history of cancer
Answer: B
Explanation: The severity of kidney failure and the patient’s overall clinical condition are key in
determining the need for hemodialysis.
Question 9: How does hemodialysis differ from peritoneal dialysis in terms of fluid removal?
A) Hemodialysis uses ultrafiltration while peritoneal dialysis does not
B) Peritoneal dialysis relies solely on diffusion
C) Hemodialysis uses a dialyzer to remove excess fluid via ultrafiltration
D) Both use identical methods for fluid removal
Answer: C
Explanation: Hemodialysis employs ultrafiltration through the dialyzer, whereas peritoneal
dialysis uses the patient’s peritoneum as a filter.
,Question 10: Which innovation in hemodialysis technology has most contributed to real-time
monitoring of treatment parameters?
A) Manual blood pressure measurement
B) Automated dialysis machines with integrated sensors
C) The introduction of paper charts
D) Increased use of dialysate additives
Answer: B
Explanation: Automated dialysis machines with integrated sensors enable continuous, real-time
monitoring of treatment parameters.
Question 11: Which of the following is a primary goal of renal replacement therapy?
A) To increase red blood cell production
B) To remove accumulated toxins and excess fluids from the blood
C) To boost immune function
D) To cure kidney disease permanently
Answer: B
Explanation: The main objective of renal replacement therapy is to remove toxins and manage
fluid balance.
Question 12: What distinguishes intermittent hemodialysis from continuous renal replacement
therapy (CRRT)?
A) Intermittent hemodialysis is performed continuously for 24 hours
B) CRRT is performed in shorter, scheduled sessions
C) Intermittent hemodialysis is performed over several hours per session, not continuously
D) CRRT does not require a dialysis machine
Answer: C
Explanation: Intermittent hemodialysis is typically performed several times per week over a few
hours per session, unlike CRRT which runs continuously.
Question 13: Which term best describes the gradual decline in kidney function over time that
may eventually necessitate hemodialysis?
A) Acute kidney injury
B) Chronic kidney disease
C) Nephrotic syndrome
D) Glomerulonephritis
Answer: B
Explanation: Chronic kidney disease involves a gradual decline in kidney function and can lead
to the need for hemodialysis.
Question 14: Which of the following best explains the concept of “dialysate” in hemodialysis?
A) A blood substitute used during treatment
B) A specially formulated fluid that removes toxins from the blood
C) An electrolyte supplement taken orally
D) A medication used to manage blood pressure
Answer: B
, Explanation: Dialysate is a specially formulated solution that helps remove waste products from
the blood through diffusion.
Question 15: In the evolution of hemodialysis, what role did the development of the
arteriovenous (AV) fistula play?
A) It reduced the risk of vascular access infections
B) It eliminated the need for any form of dialysis
C) It provided a permanent solution for kidney failure
D) It made blood testing unnecessary
Answer: A
Explanation: The AV fistula improved the longevity and safety of vascular access, reducing
complications such as infections.
Question 16: Which of the following is a significant risk factor for patients who undergo
hemodialysis?
A) Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
B) Risk of vascular access complications
C) Reduced risk of cardiovascular events
D) Higher incidence of skin infections only
Answer: B
Explanation: Patients on hemodialysis are at risk for vascular access complications such as
stenosis, thrombosis, and infection.
Question 17: Which of the following describes a key responsibility of a hemodialysis nurse
during treatment?
A) Prescribing medications for kidney disease
B) Operating and troubleshooting the dialysis machine
C) Performing kidney transplants
D) Designing the dialysate composition
Answer: B
Explanation: Hemodialysis nurses are responsible for operating and troubleshooting the dialysis
machine as well as monitoring patient status.
Question 18: What distinguishes hemodialysis as a treatment modality compared to kidney
transplantation?
A) Hemodialysis involves immunosuppressant therapy
B) Kidney transplantation provides a permanent cure
C) Hemodialysis requires periodic treatments while transplantation involves surgery
D) Transplantation does not require long-term follow-up
Answer: C
Explanation: Hemodialysis is a recurring treatment, while transplantation is a surgical procedure
with its own long-term management issues.
Question 19: Which aspect of the dialysis process relies primarily on the principle of diffusion?
A) Ultrafiltration
B) Solute clearance
