DAVITA PCT BOARD REVIEW SCRIPT 2026
FINAL TRAINING EXAM STAR PROGRAM
COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS WITH
SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
⩥ Explain ultrafiltration in hemodialysis. Answer: Fluid is pushed
through the semipermeable membrane (SPM). Think: wringing out a wet
rag.
⩥ Explain convection in hemodialysis. Answer: Solutes DRAG across
the semipermeable membrane with fluid
⩥ Explain diffusion in hemodialysis. Answer: PARTICLES move from
HIGH concentration to LOW concentration
⩥ Explain osmosis in hemodialysis. Answer: FLUID moves LOW
concentration to HIGH concentration
⩥ What are the kidneys' excretory functions?. Answer: To normalize
electrolytes, remove wastes, provide fluid and nutrient balance
⩥ How do we replace normal excretory kidney functions?. Answer: By
using acid concentrate to help normalize electrolytes and ultrafiltration
to provide fluid balance
,⩥ What is the function of acid concentrate. Answer: Provides the
concentration gradient for diffusion and helps normalize electrolytes
⩥ What is the function of bicarbonate in the dialysate solution?. Answer:
It buffers the acid concentrate
⩥ What is the function of bicarbonate when it diffuses into the patient's
blood?. Answer: It normalizes body pH
⩥ What are some S/Sx of hyperkalemia?. Answer: K+ > 6.5 mEq
extreme muscle weakness, dysrhythmias, and possible cardiac arrest
⩥ What are some S/Sx of hypokalemia?. Answer: K+ < 3.5 mEq
fatigue, muscle weakness, paralysis, resp. failure, cardiac instability,
arrhythmias, cardiac arrest
⩥ What is the normal blood pH range?. Answer: 7.35 - 7.45
⩥ What are the kidneys' endocrine functions?. Answer: Renin secretion
Erythropoietin secretion
Vitamin d activation
,⩥ How do we replace normal endocrine kidney functions?. Answer: By
providing medications
⩥ How much of normal kidney function is replaced by HD?. Answer:
15%
⩥ What is uremia?. Answer: Uremia is a buildup of wastes in the blood
due to kidney failure
⩥ What does uremia affect?. Answer: Uremia affects all body systems
⩥ What are the most common causes of CKD in the US?. Answer:
diabetes, HTN and polycystic kidney disease
⩥ List the treatment goals for a pt. w/ CKD. Answer: -slowing the
progression of CKD
-managing comorbidities and complications
-controlling symptoms
-minimizing the effects if CKD on pt. lifestyles
-kidney replacement therapy modality education
-encouraging patients to actively participate in their healthcare
, ⩥ Why is it so important to know what caused your pt.'s CKD?. Answer:
So the RN and PCT can ask about possible problems during data
collection and assessment
⩥ List some S/Sx of fluid imbalance. Answer: HTN, edema, and SOB
⩥ Why is sodium balance important?. Answer: Leads to volume
expansion,
increased cardiac output,
increased peripheral vascular resistance
and increased BP
⩥ List some systemic effects of CKD. Answer: -Dry, itchy skin
-Peripheral neuropathy in the extremities
-GI problems (N/V)
-Psychological problems (anxiety, depression)
⩥ What would you advise for a pt. with dry, itchy skin?. Answer: -use
hyper-fatted soaps and lotions
-assess for safety at home
-provide emotional support
-control diabetes and phosphorus
FINAL TRAINING EXAM STAR PROGRAM
COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS WITH
SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
⩥ Explain ultrafiltration in hemodialysis. Answer: Fluid is pushed
through the semipermeable membrane (SPM). Think: wringing out a wet
rag.
⩥ Explain convection in hemodialysis. Answer: Solutes DRAG across
the semipermeable membrane with fluid
⩥ Explain diffusion in hemodialysis. Answer: PARTICLES move from
HIGH concentration to LOW concentration
⩥ Explain osmosis in hemodialysis. Answer: FLUID moves LOW
concentration to HIGH concentration
⩥ What are the kidneys' excretory functions?. Answer: To normalize
electrolytes, remove wastes, provide fluid and nutrient balance
⩥ How do we replace normal excretory kidney functions?. Answer: By
using acid concentrate to help normalize electrolytes and ultrafiltration
to provide fluid balance
,⩥ What is the function of acid concentrate. Answer: Provides the
concentration gradient for diffusion and helps normalize electrolytes
⩥ What is the function of bicarbonate in the dialysate solution?. Answer:
It buffers the acid concentrate
⩥ What is the function of bicarbonate when it diffuses into the patient's
blood?. Answer: It normalizes body pH
⩥ What are some S/Sx of hyperkalemia?. Answer: K+ > 6.5 mEq
extreme muscle weakness, dysrhythmias, and possible cardiac arrest
⩥ What are some S/Sx of hypokalemia?. Answer: K+ < 3.5 mEq
fatigue, muscle weakness, paralysis, resp. failure, cardiac instability,
arrhythmias, cardiac arrest
⩥ What is the normal blood pH range?. Answer: 7.35 - 7.45
⩥ What are the kidneys' endocrine functions?. Answer: Renin secretion
Erythropoietin secretion
Vitamin d activation
,⩥ How do we replace normal endocrine kidney functions?. Answer: By
providing medications
⩥ How much of normal kidney function is replaced by HD?. Answer:
15%
⩥ What is uremia?. Answer: Uremia is a buildup of wastes in the blood
due to kidney failure
⩥ What does uremia affect?. Answer: Uremia affects all body systems
⩥ What are the most common causes of CKD in the US?. Answer:
diabetes, HTN and polycystic kidney disease
⩥ List the treatment goals for a pt. w/ CKD. Answer: -slowing the
progression of CKD
-managing comorbidities and complications
-controlling symptoms
-minimizing the effects if CKD on pt. lifestyles
-kidney replacement therapy modality education
-encouraging patients to actively participate in their healthcare
, ⩥ Why is it so important to know what caused your pt.'s CKD?. Answer:
So the RN and PCT can ask about possible problems during data
collection and assessment
⩥ List some S/Sx of fluid imbalance. Answer: HTN, edema, and SOB
⩥ Why is sodium balance important?. Answer: Leads to volume
expansion,
increased cardiac output,
increased peripheral vascular resistance
and increased BP
⩥ List some systemic effects of CKD. Answer: -Dry, itchy skin
-Peripheral neuropathy in the extremities
-GI problems (N/V)
-Psychological problems (anxiety, depression)
⩥ What would you advise for a pt. with dry, itchy skin?. Answer: -use
hyper-fatted soaps and lotions
-assess for safety at home
-provide emotional support
-control diabetes and phosphorus
