Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

Which complication may occur if a dialysis machine fails during treatment?

1. Hypotensive Crisis

2. Acute Heart Failure

3. Pulmonary Edema

4. Acidosis

The correct answer is: Hypotensive Crisis

When a dialysis machine fails during treatment, one of the primary complications that may arise is a hypotensive crisis. During dialysis, the machine helps to remove excess fluid and waste products from the blood. If the machine stops functioning properly, it can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure due to the abrupt change in the fluid exchange process. In a typical dialysis session, the patient's fluids are carefully monitored and adjusted to maintain hemodynamic stability. A failure in the machine can lead to insufficient ultrafiltration, causing fluid overload, or an inability to adequately remove toxins, which may lead to rapid shifts in blood composition. This sudden change can overwhelm the cardiovascular system, resulting in hypotension, which is characterized by an abnormally low blood pressure that can lead to dizziness, fainting, and in severe cases, shock. Other complications like acute heart failure, pulmonary edema, or acidosis can be serious but are not the immediate or direct result of a dialysis machine failure. While these conditions can arise due to other underlying issues in patients undergoing dialysis, the direct consequence of a machine failure specifically relates to the immediate instability that can cause a hypotensive crisis. This highlights the critical need for continuous monitoring of the machine and the patient's vital signs during dialysis treatment.