Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following could be a sign of dialyzer malfunction?

1. Stable blood pressure

2. Increased nitrogen levels

3. Stable electrolytes

4. Improved patient wellbeing

The correct answer is: Increased nitrogen levels

Increased nitrogen levels can indicate a dialyzer malfunction during dialysis treatment. The dialyzer, often referred to as an artificial kidney, is responsible for filtering waste products from the blood. When the dialyzer malfunctions, it may not effectively remove urea and other nitrogenous wastes from the bloodstream, leading to an accumulation of these substances and subsequently increased nitrogen levels. This situation can signal that the filter is either clogged or damaged, impairing its ability to function correctly. Stable blood pressure and stable electrolytes suggest that the dialysis treatment is running smoothly and effectively, as these parameters indicate that the patient's body is maintaining a balanced state. Improved patient wellbeing would also imply that the dialysis is effective and the patient is benefiting from the treatment. Therefore, these conditions would not normally indicate issues with the dialyzer.