Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

What are the symptoms commonly associated with disequilibrium syndrome?

1. Headache

2. Nausea

3. Fatigue

4. Chest pain

The correct answer is: Headache

Disequilibrium syndrome is a condition that can occur during or shortly after dialysis, particularly in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The primary symptoms associated with this syndrome stem from rapid changes in the body's chemistry and fluid balance during treatment. Headache is one of the most commonly reported symptoms. It may arise due to changes in blood volume, osmotic shifts, or the rapid removal of toxins that can occur during dialysis. These changes can lead to increased intracranial pressure or an alteration in cerebral blood flow, both of which can contribute to the onset of headaches. While nausea, fatigue, and chest pain can also occur in dialysis patients for various reasons, they are not as tightly linked to disequilibrium syndrome as headaches are. Nausea may arise as a result of other complications or conditions affecting the patient. Similarly, fatigue can be a common symptom experienced by patients undergoing dialysis but isn't specifically indicative of disequilibrium syndrome. Chest pain requires immediate evaluation for different potential causes. In summary, headache is specifically associated with the rapid physiological changes seen in disequilibrium syndrome, making it a key symptom that technicians and healthcare providers are trained to recognize during dialysis treatment.