Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) Practice Exam

In the management of fluid overload during hemodialysis, ultrafiltration removal is the standard practice. Ultrafiltration is a process that specifically targets the removal of excess fluid from the patient’s bloodstream through the dialysis membrane. During dialysis, the technician can adjust the ultrafiltration rate to effectively remove the surplus fluid that has accumulated due to insufficient renal function or dietary intake.

This method is crucial because it helps to restore the patient's fluid balance, alleviating symptoms associated with fluid overload such as hypertension and edema, and preventing complications like heart failure.

Other methods, such as increasing the blood flow rate, do not directly address fluid overload; instead, they primarily enhance the clearance of solutes. Decreasing the dialysate flow rate would not effectively manage fluid overload either, as it could reduce the dialysate's capacity to remove waste products without specifically aiding in fluid removal. Applying pressure bandages is not a relevant strategy in this context, as it does not contribute to the management of fluid overload during hemodialysis procedures.

Ultrafiltration stands out as the most effective and direct approach to handle excess fluid in patients undergoing hemodialysis.