Certified Hemodialysis Technician Practice Exam 2025 - Free Hemodialysis Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome typically occurs in patients undergoing hemodialysis, particularly during initial treatments when there is a rapid change in blood chemistry or fluid balance. The symptoms associated with this syndrome are often neurological due to the shift in fluid and solutes between the blood and the brain. Common symptoms include nausea, headache, and confusion.

Nausea can arise from the rapid removal of urea and other toxins from the blood, leading to changes in osmotic balance. Headaches may be a result of changes in intracranial pressure as fluids shift, while confusion can indicate alterations in cerebral function due to these rapid biochemical changes. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for healthcare providers to promptly address the condition and provide supportive care for affected patients.

The other options provided do not align with the typical presentations of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome. For instance, fatigue and hypertension are more general symptoms that can arise from various conditions but are not specifically indicative of this syndrome. Fever and chills suggest an infectious process, while persistent coughing and wheezing are respiratory symptoms unrelated to the complications of dialysis treatment.