Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

Contamination of water by bacterial endotoxins may cause which type of reaction?

1. Pyrogenic

2. Allergic

3. Neurogenic

4. Inflammatory

The correct answer is: Pyrogenic

Bacterial endotoxins, which are toxins produced by certain bacteria, can lead to a pyrogenic reaction when they contaminate water. These endotoxins stimulate the immune system, triggering the release of pyrogens, substances that induce fever as part of the body's response to infection or inflammation. This reaction can lead to symptoms such as elevated body temperature, which is a hallmark of pyrogenic responses. In the context of dialysis, the presence of endotoxins in water used for dialysate can pose a serious risk to patients, particularly those with compromised immune systems. Understanding the potential for pyrogenic reactions emphasizes the need for stringent water quality testing and treatment protocols to ensure patient safety during dialysis procedures. The other types of reactions mentioned, while they involve different mechanisms of action in the immune system, do not directly arise from the presence of bacterial endotoxins in the same way. Therefore, recognizing the link between endotoxins and pyrogenic reactions is crucial for the proper management of dialysis safety standards.