More questions

1. Describe in detail how to prepare for cannulation.
To prepare an access site for cannulation - first, visualize the access, then feel for the thrill (if no thrill is present check for bruit), then sterilize the area with betadine in a circular motion (clean to dirty).
2. What type of access is prone to infection?
Catheters are the type of access most prone to infections.
3. What type of access can be made from gortex?
Grafts can be made from synthetic material such as gortex.
4. When the blood in the access stops flowing the access is said to be _______?
When the blow in the access stops flowing the access is said to be CLOTTED.
5. The connection of two hollow vessels is called?
The connection of two hollow vessels is known as an anastimosis.
6. Name the most commonly used vessels for a central venous catheter?
The vessels commonly used for catheters are the jugular vein (inter-jugular), the subclavian vein, and the femoral vein.
7. What is the name of the preferred access - known for having minimal complications?
The preferred access is the fistula.
8. What is the typical placement of the venous needle?
The venous needle is typically placed up towards the heart in the direction of flow.
9. What is the typical placement of the arterial needle?
The arterial needle is usually placed down away from the heart.
10. List the two most common causes of renal failure.
The two most common causes of renal failure are DM and hypertension.
11. What are the characteristics of ARF?
ARF is sudden, reversible (with a 50% mortality rate), and rapid.
12. What are the characteristics of CRF?
CRF is insidious, irreversible (100% mortality rate without dialysis or transplant), and slow.
13. What does DM damage that causes renal failure?
DM damages the kidneys by causing necrosis of the small blood vessels in the kidneys.
14. What is azotemia?
Azotemia is the retention of nitrogenous substances in the blood.
15. List three hormones normal kidneys make and state their purpose.
Aldosterone controls sodium reabsorbtion, Erythropoietin aids in the production of RBCs, and Renin converts vitamin D to calcitriol.
16. Where are the kidneys located?
The kidneys are located retroperitoneal.
17. What do healthy kidneys do?
Healthy kidneys help the body regulate blood pressure; they excrete waste, and reabsorb what the body needs.
18. What three “medications” can a dialysis technician administer?
Lidocane, Normal Saline, and Heparin can be given by a technician.
19. What is the “antidote” for Heparin?
The antidote for Heparin is Protamine Sulfate.
20. What route are phosphate binders taken?
Phosphate binders are taken by mouth (po).
21. What is Kayexcelate?
Kayexcelate is a potassium binder that eliminates k+ through the gut.
22. What route is lidocane administered?
Lidocane is administered ID.
23. Who is responsible for charting medication?
The person who administers the medication is responsible for charting it.
24. What makes protein high in biological value?
Protein that is high in biological value contains all 8 essential amino acids.
25. What percent of the renal diet should be made up of protein?
65% of the renal diet should be made up of protein that is high in biological value.
26. What is the function of calories in the renal diet?
The function of calories in the renal diet is to prevent the body from using protein for energy.
27. What is the typical fluid allowance for dialysis patients?
1,000-1,200 mg/per day is the typical fluid allowance for dialysis patients.
28. Why is sodium usually restricted in the renal diet?
Sodium is usually restricted to help reduce fluid intake by controlling thirst.
29. Why is potassium restricted for most dialysis patients?
Potassium is restricted to prevent complications causing arrhythmias.
30. Why is phosphorous restricted in the renal diet?
Phosphorus is restricted to prevent renal osteodystrophy and metastatic calcifications.
31. List foods that are high in phosphorous.
Food high in phosphorous include milk, whole grains, pizza, mac and cheese, ice cream, nuts, hot dogs and sausage, COLA, peanut butter, peas and dried beans, yogurt and pudding, liver and organ meat, cream soup, pork and beans, and CHOCOLATE!
32. List foods that are high in potassium.
Food high in potassium include milk, yogurt, cheese, apricots, banana, cantaloupe, dates, dried figs, guava, honey dew, grapefruit, Japanese persimmon, kiwi, mango, nectarine, orange, papaya, fresh pears, prunes, tangelo, avocado, green beans, chard, Chinese cabbage, cooked spinach, sweet potato, tomato, vegetable juice, nuts, chocolate, salt substitutes, and dried beans and peas.
33. Name several foods that have a high liquid content and are not beverages.
Melons, gelatin, sauces, gravy, and ice have a high liquid content.
34. Who owns the records?
The dialysis unit owns the patient record.
35. Name three people with access to the patient records.
The physician, the nurses, and the patient all have access to the patient record.
36. How do you correct a charting error?
Strike out the mistake by drawing a line through the word, sign your name (first initial and last name…in cursive DONOT PRINT), date it, and then make the correction.
37. How do you sign the records?
You sign your name using your first initial and last name. Followed by your professional title. The entry must be in cursive, DO NOT PRINT.
38. When must an event be charted?
As soon as possible after an event has occurred.
39. Who documents that a medication was given?
The person who administers the medication is the person who charts it.
40. What is the abbreviation for “without”?
An S with a line over it.
41. What is the symbol for increase?
­ The symbol for increase is an arrow pointing up.
42. Why are patients typically hypothermic?
Patients are typically hypothermic because of an elevated BUN.
43. What items are in a general survey?
Items in a general survey include mobility, level of awareness, visible signs of distress, and complaints/history.
44. How often should you check the patient’s blood pressure?
Blood pressure should be checked every 30 minutes.
45. What are symptoms of hypervolemia?
Symptoms of hypervolemia include edema, SOB, elevated BP, and defaulting breathing while lying down.
46. What are the symptoms of pericarditis?
Fever, chest pain, and friction rub are symptoms of pericarditis.