Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

What does the term infiltration refer to in a dialysis context?

1. A failure to start the dialysis

2. A needle puncturing a blood vessel

3. A needle puncturing a vessel and the tip going out the other side, causing blood to escape

4. An allergic reaction to the dialysate

The correct answer is: A needle puncturing a vessel and the tip going out the other side, causing blood to escape

Infiltration in the context of dialysis refers to a situation where a needle puncturing a blood vessel causes the tip of the needle to exit through the other side of the vessel, leading to blood escaping into the surrounding tissue rather than remaining within the vessel. This condition can result in swelling, discomfort, and potential injury to the surrounding tissue. It is important for dialysis technicians to monitor access sites carefully to identify infiltration as soon as it occurs, as prompt intervention can minimize complications and preserve the vascular access for future treatments. Other options do not capture the specific definition of infiltration accurately. For instance, failure to start dialysis refers more to issues related to equipment or procedural errors, while a needle puncturing a blood vessel alone does not encompass the whole scenario of infiltration, which specifically involves the needle exiting the vessel and causing leakage. An allergic reaction to the dialysate is unrelated to the mechanics of needle placement or vascular access. Understanding the exact definition of infiltration helps ensure proper techniques and patient care during dialysis sessions.