Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) Practice Exam

A common complication of dialysis is indeed both overhydration and dehydration. This occurs because dialysis is a process that removes excess fluid and waste products from the blood when the kidneys are not functioning effectively. During the treatment, the balance of fluids in the body must be carefully managed to prevent complications.

Overhydration can happen when a patient retains too much fluid between dialysis sessions, especially if they consume more fluids than their body can handle. This can lead to increased blood pressure, swelling, and cardiovascular complications.

On the other hand, dehydration occurs when too much fluid is removed during the dialysis session. This can happen if the dialysis prescription is too aggressive or if the patient is not taking in enough fluids between treatments. Symptoms may include low blood pressure, cramps, and fatigue.

Recognizing that both overhydration and dehydration are pertinent complications helps highlight the importance of monitoring fluid intake and loss during and between dialysis sessions to ensure patient safety and efficacy of treatment.