DAVITA COMPETENCY EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
Attempting to remove a large amount of fluid weight gain from the patient: -
CORRECT ANSWER -
Can lead to hypovolemia during the treatment which is associated with an increased mortality r
ate
When sodium loading occurs during the dialysis treatment: - CORRECT ANSWER -
It leads to an increase in thirst and larger fluid weight gains with hypertension between treatme
nts and can contribute to headaches after the treatment
How long before initiating the hemodialysis treatment should the initial loading dose of heparin
be administered through the venous needle or venous port of the central venous catheter (CVC)
to anticoagulate the patient? - CORRECT ANSWER -A minimum of 3-
5 minutes prior to treatment initiation
Over-the-counter medications: - CORRECT ANSWER -
Do not require a physician order but should be approved by the nephrologist
Per DaVita policy, prior to each medication preparation, the medication preparation surface are
a: - CORRECT ANSWER -
Is to be disinfected with a 1:100 bleach solution or approved disinfectant
What is NOT an acceptable assignment for a PCT working in a facility that cares for patients with
Hepatitis B infection (HBV+)? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Caring for HBV+ and susceptible patients at the same time.
What is the policy regarding fingernails? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Fingernail length should not extend more than 1/4 inch and traditional nail polish that is not chi
pped may be worn
, Cleaning blood pressure cuffs between patients: - CORRECT ANSWER -
Removes microorganisms such as MRSA or VRE that may be colonized in a patient's axillary area
Cleaning and disinfecting priming buckets after each treatment: - CORRECT ANSWER -
Is required to decrease gram-
negative bacterial growth which may occur in solutions such as water
The foot rest of a patient chair is torn and the inner foam is exposed. Can it still be used for pati
ent treatments? - CORRECT ANSWER -
No, because the torn surface no longer allows for effective cleaning and provides a potential for
microbial growth
Attention to infection control, proper hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection procedures are of
utmost importance in the dialysis setting. Which of the following statement is true?
A) MRSA bacteria can survive on surfaces, especially plastic and vinyl, for days
B) Only items taken to a clean dialysis station prior to initiation of a patient treatment can be ret
urned to a common clean area without being disinfected
C) If a hemodialysis patient performs self-
care at the facility, common supply carts used to store clean supplies may be placed within the p
atient's reach
D) Red disposal bags are to be closed with a tight "dog eared" knot to prevent leakage of fluid fr
om the bag - CORRECT ANSWER -
MRSA bacteria can survive on surfaces. especially plastic and vinyl, for days.
How do you determine if a blood pressure cuff is the right size for a patient? -
CORRECT ANSWER -
When wrapping the cuff around the patient's arm, verify the index mark is within the "ok range"
markings
Mrs. Boomerstein pulls out a 2-
cup size container with fresh strawberries during dialysis. As she savors the first fruit, she smiles
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
Attempting to remove a large amount of fluid weight gain from the patient: -
CORRECT ANSWER -
Can lead to hypovolemia during the treatment which is associated with an increased mortality r
ate
When sodium loading occurs during the dialysis treatment: - CORRECT ANSWER -
It leads to an increase in thirst and larger fluid weight gains with hypertension between treatme
nts and can contribute to headaches after the treatment
How long before initiating the hemodialysis treatment should the initial loading dose of heparin
be administered through the venous needle or venous port of the central venous catheter (CVC)
to anticoagulate the patient? - CORRECT ANSWER -A minimum of 3-
5 minutes prior to treatment initiation
Over-the-counter medications: - CORRECT ANSWER -
Do not require a physician order but should be approved by the nephrologist
Per DaVita policy, prior to each medication preparation, the medication preparation surface are
a: - CORRECT ANSWER -
Is to be disinfected with a 1:100 bleach solution or approved disinfectant
What is NOT an acceptable assignment for a PCT working in a facility that cares for patients with
Hepatitis B infection (HBV+)? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Caring for HBV+ and susceptible patients at the same time.
What is the policy regarding fingernails? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Fingernail length should not extend more than 1/4 inch and traditional nail polish that is not chi
pped may be worn
, Cleaning blood pressure cuffs between patients: - CORRECT ANSWER -
Removes microorganisms such as MRSA or VRE that may be colonized in a patient's axillary area
Cleaning and disinfecting priming buckets after each treatment: - CORRECT ANSWER -
Is required to decrease gram-
negative bacterial growth which may occur in solutions such as water
The foot rest of a patient chair is torn and the inner foam is exposed. Can it still be used for pati
ent treatments? - CORRECT ANSWER -
No, because the torn surface no longer allows for effective cleaning and provides a potential for
microbial growth
Attention to infection control, proper hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection procedures are of
utmost importance in the dialysis setting. Which of the following statement is true?
A) MRSA bacteria can survive on surfaces, especially plastic and vinyl, for days
B) Only items taken to a clean dialysis station prior to initiation of a patient treatment can be ret
urned to a common clean area without being disinfected
C) If a hemodialysis patient performs self-
care at the facility, common supply carts used to store clean supplies may be placed within the p
atient's reach
D) Red disposal bags are to be closed with a tight "dog eared" knot to prevent leakage of fluid fr
om the bag - CORRECT ANSWER -
MRSA bacteria can survive on surfaces. especially plastic and vinyl, for days.
How do you determine if a blood pressure cuff is the right size for a patient? -
CORRECT ANSWER -
When wrapping the cuff around the patient's arm, verify the index mark is within the "ok range"
markings
Mrs. Boomerstein pulls out a 2-
cup size container with fresh strawberries during dialysis. As she savors the first fruit, she smiles
