Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

What symptom occurs due to dialysate that is too hot?

1. Cramping

2. Hemolysis

3. Hypotension

4. Headache

The correct answer is: Hemolysis

When dialysate is too hot, the correct symptom that can occur is hemolysis. Hemolysis refers to the destruction of red blood cells, which can happen when blood is exposed to excessively high temperatures. In a dialysis setting, if the temperature of the dialysate exceeds safe limits, it can cause damage to blood cells as they flow through the dialysis machine, leading to the release of hemoglobin into the plasma. This can result in a range of complications, including potential kidney injury and other systemic effects. In contrast, cramping is often associated with rapid fluid shifts or imbalances in electrolytes rather than temperature issues. Hypotension may result from various factors, including excessive fluid removal or inadequate blood volume but is not specifically tied to the temperature of the dialysate. Headaches can occur for multiple reasons during dialysis treatments, but again, they are not specifically caused by the temperature of the dialysate. Thus, recognizing hemolysis as a symptom due to hot dialysate is crucial for safe dialysis practice and patient management.