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

In patients with a very high blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level, dialysis is purposely made less efficient primarily to avoid Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome. This syndrome can occur when there is a rapid removal of urea and other solutes from the blood, which can lead to an osmotic gradient between the blood and the brain. When the solutes are removed quickly, water can shift into the brain cells, causing cerebral edema, which can result in neurological symptoms such as headache, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures or coma.

Adjusting the efficiency of dialysis allows for a more gradual decrease in the concentration of solutes in the blood, thereby preventing the rapid osmotic changes that could lead to this dangerous condition. This approach is especially important for patients whose BUN levels are significantly elevated because they may have a higher risk of developing Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome due to the larger difference in concentration gradients.

The other considerations, such as preventing infection or electrolyte imbalances, although crucial in the overall management of dialysis patients, are not the primary reasons for adjusting the efficiency of dialysis in the context of high BUN levels. The focus on dialysis efficiency specifically targets the risks associated with the rapid changes in solute levels that can lead to severe