DaVita PCT Study Guide questions and answers
2026\2027 A+ Grade
Ultrafiltration
- correct answer Fluid pushed through the semipermeable membrane
Convection
- correct answer Solutes dragged across semipermeable membrane along with fluid
Diffusion
- correct answer Particles move from area of high concentration to low
Osmosis
- correct answer Fluid moves from area of low to high concentration
What are the kidneys' excretory functions?
- correct answer To normalize electrolytes, remove wastes, provide fluid and nutrient balance
What are the kidneys' endocrine functions?
- correct answer Renin secretion, erythropoietin secretion, vitamin D activation
What is the function of the acid concentrate?
- correct answer Provides the concentration gradient for diffusion
What is the function of bicarbonate the dialysate solution?
- correct answer Buffer the acid concentrate
,What is the function of bicarbonate when it diffuses into the patient's blood?
- correct answer Normalizes body pH
How do we replace normal excretory kidney functions?
- correct answer Normalizes electrolytes, provide fluid balance through ultrafiltration
How do we replace normal endocrine kidney functions?
- correct answer Provide medications
Outline the treatment goals for a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- correct answer -slowing the progression of ckd
-managing comorbidities and complications
-controlling symptoms
-minimizing the effects of ckd on patients' lifestyles
-kidney replacement therapy modality education
-encouraging patients to actively participate in their healthcare
What are the most common causes for CKD in the USA?
- correct answer Diabetes
Hypotension
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Why is it important to know what caused your patient's CKD?
- correct answer So the nurse and PCT can inquire about possible problems during data collection and
assessment
Signs and Symptoms of fluid imbalance
- correct answer Hypertension
Edema
Shortness of breath
,What does hypertension lead to?
- correct answer Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Why is sodium balance important?
- correct answer Leads to volume expansion- increased CO- increased peripheral vascular resistance-
increased BP
Signs and symptoms of Hyperkalemia
- correct answer >6.5 mEq symptoms: extreme muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythm, and possible
cardiac arrest
Signs and symptoms of Hypokalemia
- correct answer <3.5 mEq symptoms: fatigue, muscle weakness, paralysis, and respiratory failure,
cardiac instability, arrhythmias, cardiac arrest
Why are dialysis patients anemic?
The lifespan of their RBC is 60 days or approx 1/2 of normal 120 days
- correct answer Primary cause: lack of the hormone erythropoietin (epo)
Secondary cause: inadequate iron stores, inadequate dialysis, malnutrition, blood loss during treatment
How can you prevent contributing to lower hemoglobin levels and blood loss in dialysis patients?
- correct answer Ensure Epogen dose is correct and administered, rinse back blood completely, avoid
repeat lab draws
What is pericarditis?
- correct answer Inflammation of the membrane (pericardial sac) around the heart
What is included in its treatment?
- correct answer decrease or stop heparin
give more frequent dialysis
Systemic effects of CKD
, Dry, itchy skin -> what do you do?
- correct answer use hyper-fatty soaps and lotions caution patient re; safety at home, provide emotional
support, control diabetes and phosphorus
Systemic effects of CKD
Peripheral Neuropathy (nerve pain in extremities)
-> what do you do?
- correct answer monitor patient for changes in motor function, decreased strength in legs, C/O restless
legs, burning feet.
advise patient not to walk barefoot, have good foot care practices
Systemic effects of CKD
GI problems -> what do you do?
- correct answer inform rn and md of any bleeding problems/ constipation/ diarrhea/ er visits, take
meds as ordered
ex: stool softness/ Imodium
Systemic effects of CKD
Psychological problems -> what do you do?
- correct answer anxiety or depression
verbalize struggles to IDT
ex: the social worker
What are the 4 key elements affected in CKD-Mineral Bone Disorder (MBD)?
- correct answer Calcium
Phosphorous
PTH
Vitamin D (Calcitrol)
All lead to CKD-MBD when they are abnormal
2026\2027 A+ Grade
Ultrafiltration
- correct answer Fluid pushed through the semipermeable membrane
Convection
- correct answer Solutes dragged across semipermeable membrane along with fluid
Diffusion
- correct answer Particles move from area of high concentration to low
Osmosis
- correct answer Fluid moves from area of low to high concentration
What are the kidneys' excretory functions?
- correct answer To normalize electrolytes, remove wastes, provide fluid and nutrient balance
What are the kidneys' endocrine functions?
- correct answer Renin secretion, erythropoietin secretion, vitamin D activation
What is the function of the acid concentrate?
- correct answer Provides the concentration gradient for diffusion
What is the function of bicarbonate the dialysate solution?
- correct answer Buffer the acid concentrate
,What is the function of bicarbonate when it diffuses into the patient's blood?
- correct answer Normalizes body pH
How do we replace normal excretory kidney functions?
- correct answer Normalizes electrolytes, provide fluid balance through ultrafiltration
How do we replace normal endocrine kidney functions?
- correct answer Provide medications
Outline the treatment goals for a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- correct answer -slowing the progression of ckd
-managing comorbidities and complications
-controlling symptoms
-minimizing the effects of ckd on patients' lifestyles
-kidney replacement therapy modality education
-encouraging patients to actively participate in their healthcare
What are the most common causes for CKD in the USA?
- correct answer Diabetes
Hypotension
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Why is it important to know what caused your patient's CKD?
- correct answer So the nurse and PCT can inquire about possible problems during data collection and
assessment
Signs and Symptoms of fluid imbalance
- correct answer Hypertension
Edema
Shortness of breath
,What does hypertension lead to?
- correct answer Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Why is sodium balance important?
- correct answer Leads to volume expansion- increased CO- increased peripheral vascular resistance-
increased BP
Signs and symptoms of Hyperkalemia
- correct answer >6.5 mEq symptoms: extreme muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythm, and possible
cardiac arrest
Signs and symptoms of Hypokalemia
- correct answer <3.5 mEq symptoms: fatigue, muscle weakness, paralysis, and respiratory failure,
cardiac instability, arrhythmias, cardiac arrest
Why are dialysis patients anemic?
The lifespan of their RBC is 60 days or approx 1/2 of normal 120 days
- correct answer Primary cause: lack of the hormone erythropoietin (epo)
Secondary cause: inadequate iron stores, inadequate dialysis, malnutrition, blood loss during treatment
How can you prevent contributing to lower hemoglobin levels and blood loss in dialysis patients?
- correct answer Ensure Epogen dose is correct and administered, rinse back blood completely, avoid
repeat lab draws
What is pericarditis?
- correct answer Inflammation of the membrane (pericardial sac) around the heart
What is included in its treatment?
- correct answer decrease or stop heparin
give more frequent dialysis
Systemic effects of CKD
, Dry, itchy skin -> what do you do?
- correct answer use hyper-fatty soaps and lotions caution patient re; safety at home, provide emotional
support, control diabetes and phosphorus
Systemic effects of CKD
Peripheral Neuropathy (nerve pain in extremities)
-> what do you do?
- correct answer monitor patient for changes in motor function, decreased strength in legs, C/O restless
legs, burning feet.
advise patient not to walk barefoot, have good foot care practices
Systemic effects of CKD
GI problems -> what do you do?
- correct answer inform rn and md of any bleeding problems/ constipation/ diarrhea/ er visits, take
meds as ordered
ex: stool softness/ Imodium
Systemic effects of CKD
Psychological problems -> what do you do?
- correct answer anxiety or depression
verbalize struggles to IDT
ex: the social worker
What are the 4 key elements affected in CKD-Mineral Bone Disorder (MBD)?
- correct answer Calcium
Phosphorous
PTH
Vitamin D (Calcitrol)
All lead to CKD-MBD when they are abnormal
