Dialysis Technician Certification Exam 2025–2026 | 200+ Real Practice
Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed Rationales | Hemodialysis &
Renal Care Exam Prep Covering Dialysis Principles, Machine Operation,
Vascular Access, Infection Control, Patient Monitoring, Safety Protocols
& Clinical Calculations
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of dialysis?
• A) To increase blood volume
• B) To filter waste products from the blood
• C) To stimulate kidney function
• D) To absorb glucose
CORRECT ANSWER: B) To filter waste products from the blood
Rationale: Dialysis is a medical procedure that removes waste and excess fluid from
the blood when the kidneys are not functioning properly.
Question 2:
What type of dialysis involves a machine to filter blood?
• A) Peritoneal dialysis
• B) Hemodialysis
• C) Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)
• D) Liver dialysis
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Hemodialysis
Rationale: Hemodialysis uses a machine to circulate blood outside the body through a
filter, effectively cleansing it of waste products.
Question 3:
Which of the following is NOT a common complication of dialysis treatment?
• A) Hypotension
• B) Anemia
• C) Hyperglycemia
• D) Infection
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Hyperglycemia
,Rationale: While hypotension, anemia, and infection are common complications
associated with dialysis, hyperglycemia is primarily associated with diabetes and not a
direct complication of dialysis itself.
Question 4:
What is the recommended frequency for hemodialysis treatments?
• A) Once a week
• B) Twice a week
• C) Thrice a week
• D) Daily
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Thrice a week
Rationale: Most patients undergoing hemodialysis require treatment three times a
week to adequately filter waste from the blood.
Question 5:
What is the role of a dialysis technician?
• A) To perform surgeries on patients
• B) To operate dialysis machines and monitor patient safety
• C) To prescribe medications
• D) To provide psychological counseling
CORRECT ANSWER: B) To operate dialysis machines and monitor patient safety
Rationale: Dialysis technicians are responsible for operating dialysis equipment,
monitoring the patient during treatment, and ensuring safety protocols are followed.
Question 6:
What is the primary function of erythropoietin (EPO) in dialysis patients?
• A) To filter toxins
• B) To stimulate red blood cell production
• C) To regulate blood pressure
• D) To manage blood glucose levels
CORRECT ANSWER: B) To stimulate red blood cell production
,Rationale: Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the
production of red blood cells. In dialysis patients, the kidneys are not producing enough
EPO, leading to anemia.
Question 7:
What is considered the normal range for serum potassium levels in dialysis
patients?
• A) 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L
• B) 5.5 - 7.0 mEq/L
• C) 2.5 - 3.5 mEq/L
• D) 4.0 - 6.0 mEq/L
CORRECT ANSWER: A) 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L
Rationale: Normal serum potassium levels should be maintained between 3.5 to 5.0
mEq/L to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, especially in patients
undergoing dialysis.
Question 8:
What is the primary site for vascular access in hemodialysis?
• A) Femoral artery
• B) Jugular vein
• C) Arteriovenous fistula
• D) Radial artery
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Arteriovenous fistula
Rationale: An arteriovenous fistula is created surgically and is the preferred site for
vascular access in hemodialysis due to its durability and lower risk of complications
compared to other access sites.
Question 9:
Which of the following symptoms may indicate an allergic reaction to dialysis
materials?
• A) Nausea
• B) Itching and rash
, • C) Fever
• D) Diarrhea
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Itching and rash
Rationale: Allergic reactions to materials such as dialyzers can manifest as itching and
rashes. Other systemic symptoms may occur, but localized reactions are often
indicative of an allergy.
Question 10:
What is the role of dialysate in the dialysis process?
• A) To replace blood components
• B) To act as a filter
• C) To facilitate the exchange of waste products
• D) To provide glucose
CORRECT ANSWER: C) To facilitate the exchange of waste products
Rationale: Dialysate is a specially formulated fluid used in dialysis that helps remove
waste products from the blood through diffusion and osmosis, making it critical for the
efficacy of the dialysis process.
Question 11:
How often should the dialysis machine be checked for proper functioning?
• A) Daily
• B) Weekly
• C) Monthly
• D) Before every treatment
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Before every treatment
Rationale: Before each dialysis session, it’s essential to check the machine to ensure
that it is functioning properly, ensuring patient safety and treatment efficacy.
Question 12:
What should a dialysis technician do if a patient complains of chest pain during
treatment?
Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed Rationales | Hemodialysis &
Renal Care Exam Prep Covering Dialysis Principles, Machine Operation,
Vascular Access, Infection Control, Patient Monitoring, Safety Protocols
& Clinical Calculations
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of dialysis?
• A) To increase blood volume
• B) To filter waste products from the blood
• C) To stimulate kidney function
• D) To absorb glucose
CORRECT ANSWER: B) To filter waste products from the blood
Rationale: Dialysis is a medical procedure that removes waste and excess fluid from
the blood when the kidneys are not functioning properly.
Question 2:
What type of dialysis involves a machine to filter blood?
• A) Peritoneal dialysis
• B) Hemodialysis
• C) Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)
• D) Liver dialysis
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Hemodialysis
Rationale: Hemodialysis uses a machine to circulate blood outside the body through a
filter, effectively cleansing it of waste products.
Question 3:
Which of the following is NOT a common complication of dialysis treatment?
• A) Hypotension
• B) Anemia
• C) Hyperglycemia
• D) Infection
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Hyperglycemia
,Rationale: While hypotension, anemia, and infection are common complications
associated with dialysis, hyperglycemia is primarily associated with diabetes and not a
direct complication of dialysis itself.
Question 4:
What is the recommended frequency for hemodialysis treatments?
• A) Once a week
• B) Twice a week
• C) Thrice a week
• D) Daily
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Thrice a week
Rationale: Most patients undergoing hemodialysis require treatment three times a
week to adequately filter waste from the blood.
Question 5:
What is the role of a dialysis technician?
• A) To perform surgeries on patients
• B) To operate dialysis machines and monitor patient safety
• C) To prescribe medications
• D) To provide psychological counseling
CORRECT ANSWER: B) To operate dialysis machines and monitor patient safety
Rationale: Dialysis technicians are responsible for operating dialysis equipment,
monitoring the patient during treatment, and ensuring safety protocols are followed.
Question 6:
What is the primary function of erythropoietin (EPO) in dialysis patients?
• A) To filter toxins
• B) To stimulate red blood cell production
• C) To regulate blood pressure
• D) To manage blood glucose levels
CORRECT ANSWER: B) To stimulate red blood cell production
,Rationale: Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the
production of red blood cells. In dialysis patients, the kidneys are not producing enough
EPO, leading to anemia.
Question 7:
What is considered the normal range for serum potassium levels in dialysis
patients?
• A) 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L
• B) 5.5 - 7.0 mEq/L
• C) 2.5 - 3.5 mEq/L
• D) 4.0 - 6.0 mEq/L
CORRECT ANSWER: A) 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L
Rationale: Normal serum potassium levels should be maintained between 3.5 to 5.0
mEq/L to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, especially in patients
undergoing dialysis.
Question 8:
What is the primary site for vascular access in hemodialysis?
• A) Femoral artery
• B) Jugular vein
• C) Arteriovenous fistula
• D) Radial artery
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Arteriovenous fistula
Rationale: An arteriovenous fistula is created surgically and is the preferred site for
vascular access in hemodialysis due to its durability and lower risk of complications
compared to other access sites.
Question 9:
Which of the following symptoms may indicate an allergic reaction to dialysis
materials?
• A) Nausea
• B) Itching and rash
, • C) Fever
• D) Diarrhea
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Itching and rash
Rationale: Allergic reactions to materials such as dialyzers can manifest as itching and
rashes. Other systemic symptoms may occur, but localized reactions are often
indicative of an allergy.
Question 10:
What is the role of dialysate in the dialysis process?
• A) To replace blood components
• B) To act as a filter
• C) To facilitate the exchange of waste products
• D) To provide glucose
CORRECT ANSWER: C) To facilitate the exchange of waste products
Rationale: Dialysate is a specially formulated fluid used in dialysis that helps remove
waste products from the blood through diffusion and osmosis, making it critical for the
efficacy of the dialysis process.
Question 11:
How often should the dialysis machine be checked for proper functioning?
• A) Daily
• B) Weekly
• C) Monthly
• D) Before every treatment
CORRECT ANSWER: D) Before every treatment
Rationale: Before each dialysis session, it’s essential to check the machine to ensure
that it is functioning properly, ensuring patient safety and treatment efficacy.
Question 12:
What should a dialysis technician do if a patient complains of chest pain during
treatment?
