Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

When does first-use syndrome usually appear?

1. Immediately after treatment

2. 15-30 minutes of starting treatment

3. 1-2 hours into the session

4. After the session concludes

The correct answer is: 15-30 minutes of starting treatment

First-use syndrome is a reaction that can occur in patients undergoing dialysis treatment, typically resulting from a patient's initial exposure to dialysis equipment or new dialyzers. This syndrome is characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, and a sense of discomfort or malaise. The timing of these symptoms is crucial for understanding when to monitor patients closely. When it is stated that first-use syndrome usually appears 15-30 minutes into the treatment, this aligns with the clinical observation that patients may start to exhibit reactions shortly after the initiation of dialysis. This period allows the body to react to the unfamiliar elements involved in the dialyzing process, such as heparin or the materials used in the dialyzer, which can be particularly relevant for those undergoing dialysis for the first time. Other options reflect times when symptoms might not typically emerge. For instance, reactions immediately after treatment or after the session concludes do not capture the typical onset of first-use syndrome. Additionally, the 1-2 hour mark may coincide with other issues or reactions that are unrelated to the unique initial exposure characteristics of first-use syndrome. Therefore, recognizing that the syndrome typically manifests within the first 15-30 minutes helps inform the care team to take appropriate monitoring and intervention steps during this critical period