Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

What are typical symptoms of Hypotension in dialysis patients?

1. Dizziness and Tachycardia

2. Confusion and Weakness

3. Nausea and Vomiting

4. Fainting and Sweating

The correct answer is: Dizziness and Tachycardia

Dizziness and tachycardia are indeed typical symptoms of hypotension in dialysis patients. When blood pressure drops significantly, it can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, causing dizziness or lightheadedness. This is especially pertinent in a dialysis setting, where patients may experience rapid changes in fluid volume and pressure. Tachycardia, or an increased heart rate, occurs as the body attempts to compensate for the drop in blood pressure by increasing cardiac output to maintain adequate perfusion to vital organs. While the other options present symptoms that may arise in various situations, they do not specifically target the classic response to hypotension during dialysis. For example, confusion and weakness might occur with prolonged low blood pressure but are less immediate symptoms than dizziness and tachycardia. Nausea and vomiting can be related to various other issues, such as fluid overload or electrolyte imbalances rather than specific hypotension. Fainting and sweating may occur as a result of severe hypotension but are not as commonly noted in typical cases and are more often associated with dehydration or other medical emergencies.