Dialysis Patient Care Quiz

A dialysis patient complains of dizziness and lightheadedness 15 minutes into treatment. What is the most likely cause?

• Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome

• Hypotension from rapid fluid removal

• Septicemia

• Muscle cramps

A nurse is teaching about AV graft care. Which statement indicates a need for further instruction?

• I will avoid wearing tight sleeves on my access arm.

• I can have my blood pressure taken on my access arm if needed.

• I will check my graft for a thrill daily.

• I will avoid carrying heavy bags on my access arm.

A dialysis patient’s potassium level is 7.0 mEq/L before treatment. What is the nurse’s priority?

• Place the patient on a cardiac monitor

• Give a potassium-rich snack

• Delay dialysis until symptoms appear

• Encourage ambulation

A nurse notices the patient’s AV fistula site is red, warm, and swollen. What is the most appropriate action?

• Document and continue dialysis

• Apply an ice pack

• Notify the healthcare provider

• Ask the patient to massage the site

Which is a priority post-dialysis assessment?

• Check for edema

• Monitor for bleeding from the access site

• Assess urine color

• Give high-protein snacks immediately

A patient undergoing dialysis complains of sudden chest pain. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• Stop dialysis and assess the patient

• Give analgesics

• Increase fluid removal

• Encourage deep breathing

A nurse is teaching infection prevention for a tunneled dialysis catheter. Which is correct?

• I can swim if I keep my catheter covered.

• I will keep my dressing clean, dry, and intact.

• I can change my own dressing daily.

• I can open the catheter to the air if careful.

A patient with hepatitis B is starting dialysis. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• Assign the patient to a dedicated dialysis machine

• Place the patient near the nurse’s station

• Give extra protein in diet

• Delay dialysis until hepatitis resolves

A patient has severe anxiety about starting dialysis. Which nursing action is best?

• Provide education about the procedure

• Tell the patient to relax and not worry

• Delay treatment until anxiety resolves

• Ask the family to persuade the patient

What is the most common cause of hypotension during dialysis?

• Rapid fluid removal

• Dialyzer malfunction

• Catheter displacement

• Infection