CERTIFIED HEMODIALYSIS TECHNICIAN (CHT) ULTIMATE REGISTRY REVIEW &
PRACTICE EXAMINATION
1. What is the primary purpose of dialysis treatment?
A. Cure chronic kidney disease
B. Replace some kidney functions
C. Increase insulin production
D. Remove white blood cells
Correct Answer: B. Replace some kidney functions
Rationale:
Dialysis removes waste products, toxins, and excess fluids from the blood when the
kidneys can no longer perform these functions adequately.
2. Which vascular access is considered the BEST for long-term hemodialysis?
A. Central venous catheter
B. PICC line
C. AV fistula
D. Peripheral IV
Correct Answer: C. AV fistula
Rationale:
An AV fistula has the lowest infection risk, best blood flow, and longest lifespan among
dialysis accesses.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias?
A. Low calcium
B. High potassium
C. Low phosphorus
D. High sodium
Correct Answer: B. High potassium
Rationale:
Hyperkalemia disrupts cardiac electrical activity and may lead to fatal arrhythmias.
4. What does ESRD stand for?
,A. End Stage Renal Disease
B. Early Systemic Renal Dysfunction
C. Emergency Surgical Renal Dialysis
D. Endocrine Sodium Retention Disorder
Correct Answer: A. End Stage Renal Disease
Rationale:
ESRD is the final stage of kidney disease where dialysis or transplantation becomes
necessary.
5. Which sign indicates a functioning AV fistula?
A. Bruising
B. Thrill
C. Rash
D. Swelling only
Correct Answer: B. Thrill
Rationale:
A thrill is a buzzing vibration felt over the access and indicates adequate blood flow.
6. What is ultrafiltration during dialysis?
A. Removal of red blood cells
B. Removal of excess fluid
C. Measurement of sodium
D. Production of dialysate
Correct Answer: B. Removal of excess fluid
Rationale:
Ultrafiltration removes excess water from the patient’s bloodstream.
7. Which symptom commonly occurs with hypotension during dialysis?
A. Fever
B. Dizziness
C. Rash
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: B. Dizziness
, Rationale:
Low blood pressure decreases blood flow to the brain, causing dizziness and weakness.
8. What is the dialyzer commonly called?
A. Artificial kidney
B. Blood pump
C. Venous chamber
D. Pressure monitor
Correct Answer: A. Artificial kidney
Rationale:
The dialyzer filters blood similarly to healthy kidneys.
9. Which laboratory value helps evaluate anemia?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Hemoglobin
D. Calcium
Correct Answer: C. Hemoglobin
Rationale:
Hemoglobin levels help determine oxygen-carrying capacity and anemia severity.
10. What is the MOST important infection-control practice?
A. Hand hygiene
B. Wearing jewelry
C. Lowering room temperature
D. Double masking only
Correct Answer: A. Hand hygiene
Rationale:
Handwashing is the most effective method to reduce infection transmission.
11. What is the purpose of heparin during dialysis?
A. Lower glucose levels
B. Prevent clotting
PRACTICE EXAMINATION
1. What is the primary purpose of dialysis treatment?
A. Cure chronic kidney disease
B. Replace some kidney functions
C. Increase insulin production
D. Remove white blood cells
Correct Answer: B. Replace some kidney functions
Rationale:
Dialysis removes waste products, toxins, and excess fluids from the blood when the
kidneys can no longer perform these functions adequately.
2. Which vascular access is considered the BEST for long-term hemodialysis?
A. Central venous catheter
B. PICC line
C. AV fistula
D. Peripheral IV
Correct Answer: C. AV fistula
Rationale:
An AV fistula has the lowest infection risk, best blood flow, and longest lifespan among
dialysis accesses.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias?
A. Low calcium
B. High potassium
C. Low phosphorus
D. High sodium
Correct Answer: B. High potassium
Rationale:
Hyperkalemia disrupts cardiac electrical activity and may lead to fatal arrhythmias.
4. What does ESRD stand for?
,A. End Stage Renal Disease
B. Early Systemic Renal Dysfunction
C. Emergency Surgical Renal Dialysis
D. Endocrine Sodium Retention Disorder
Correct Answer: A. End Stage Renal Disease
Rationale:
ESRD is the final stage of kidney disease where dialysis or transplantation becomes
necessary.
5. Which sign indicates a functioning AV fistula?
A. Bruising
B. Thrill
C. Rash
D. Swelling only
Correct Answer: B. Thrill
Rationale:
A thrill is a buzzing vibration felt over the access and indicates adequate blood flow.
6. What is ultrafiltration during dialysis?
A. Removal of red blood cells
B. Removal of excess fluid
C. Measurement of sodium
D. Production of dialysate
Correct Answer: B. Removal of excess fluid
Rationale:
Ultrafiltration removes excess water from the patient’s bloodstream.
7. Which symptom commonly occurs with hypotension during dialysis?
A. Fever
B. Dizziness
C. Rash
D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: B. Dizziness
, Rationale:
Low blood pressure decreases blood flow to the brain, causing dizziness and weakness.
8. What is the dialyzer commonly called?
A. Artificial kidney
B. Blood pump
C. Venous chamber
D. Pressure monitor
Correct Answer: A. Artificial kidney
Rationale:
The dialyzer filters blood similarly to healthy kidneys.
9. Which laboratory value helps evaluate anemia?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Hemoglobin
D. Calcium
Correct Answer: C. Hemoglobin
Rationale:
Hemoglobin levels help determine oxygen-carrying capacity and anemia severity.
10. What is the MOST important infection-control practice?
A. Hand hygiene
B. Wearing jewelry
C. Lowering room temperature
D. Double masking only
Correct Answer: A. Hand hygiene
Rationale:
Handwashing is the most effective method to reduce infection transmission.
11. What is the purpose of heparin during dialysis?
A. Lower glucose levels
B. Prevent clotting
