Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test 2025 - Free Dialysis Nurse Practice Questions and Study Guide

Hemodialysis is a common treatment for patients with kidney failure, and it is accompanied by several potential complications. Hypotension, a drop in blood pressure, is frequently seen during dialysis sessions due to the rapid removal of fluid from the bloodstream. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness and fainting. Muscle cramps are also a common complication, often occurring as a result of electrolyte shifts and fluid changes during the treatment.

Infections at the access site are a significant concern because the vascular access points used for hemodialysis can serve as entry points for bacteria. Maintaining strict aseptic technique is crucial to minimize this risk, but infections can still occur due to the nature of frequent needle punctures needed to perform the dialysis.

In contrast, while high blood pressure and excessive thirst can occur in patients with kidney disease, they are not typically considered complications arising directly from hemodialysis. Similarly, skin rashes and other symptoms like dizziness and fatigue can happen but are less specific to the overall process of hemodialysis itself. Other options discuss symptoms or conditions that are not as directly related to the complications seen specifically during or post-dialysis treatment.