Patient Care Technician and Dialysis Overview

Dialysis replaces removing wastes from the blood, removing excess fluid from the blood, and keeping electrolytes in balance.

Hemodialysis involves accessing the patient's bloodstream through a vascular access. Needles are inserted into the access, and blood is drawn out and circulated through an artificial kidney called a dialyzer. The dialyzer contains a semipermeable membrane that removes waste and excess water while retaining blood cells, then returning the cleansed blood back to the patient.

The main goal is to help patients reach the highest level of wellness possible.

<p>A team of technicians, nurses, dietitians, social workers, doctors, and patients work together to provide comprehensive care. Each member contributes their expertise, ensuring that the patient's physical and emotional needs are met.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Patients who actively participate in their care, such as understanding their treatment and self-management, tend to stay healthier and live longer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Two factors are age and other illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The main difference is the access method. HD uses a vascular access with needles, while PD uses a catheter placed in the abdomen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Patient education empowers individuals to understand their condition, treatment options, and self-management techniques, leading to better health outcomes and increased quality of life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Renal Physicians Association (RPA) and the National Kidney Foundation (NKF)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To improve the care and outcomes of kidney patients around the world.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To provide high-quality, efficient care to kidney patients.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>CQI is a proactive approach to identify and prevent problems in dialysis care, while Quality Assurance focuses on audits and reviews to identify existing issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Plan, Do, Check, Act</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Professionalism builds trust and fosters a positive patient experience.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Addressing patients formally, using respectful language (e.g., 'please,' 'thank you'), and maintaining patient dignity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Being ready to work when arriving at the center</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Professionalism contributes to a positive and supportive environment for patients receiving dialysis care.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To define the appropriate dose of hemodialysis treatment for patients with kidney failure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Adequate dialysis helps patients feel better and reduces their risk of dying sooner.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Anemia management in patients with kidney disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>NKF-DOQI focuses on improving kidney care outcomes in the United States, while KDIGO aims to improve global outcomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To identify potential areas for improvement in dialysis care.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A multi-disciplinary team brings diverse perspectives and expertise to identify and solve problems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The key innovation was the use of a cellulosic membrane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They developed a method for repeated use of blood vessels for dialysis, known as vascular access.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The two types of dialyzers mentioned are the Kiil dialyzer and the coil dialyzer. The Kiil dialyzer was a flat plate weighing 70 pounds, while the coil dialyzer was a membrane supported by a mesh screen, coiled around a central core.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Medicare ESRD Program was enacted to ensure access to life-saving treatment for kidney failure patients, regardless of their financial status.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The program led to a shift from hospital-based centers to free-standing centers. It also encouraged the growth of large dialysis organizations (LDOs).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The six Aims for Improvement are safety, effectiveness, patient-centeredness, timeliness, efficiency, and equity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Quality assurance in dialysis involves comparing centers to preset standards to ensure that care meets acceptable levels. Centers that fail to meet these standards risk losing their Medicare certification and funding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The two primary sources of national data are the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) and the ESRD Clinical Performance Measures (CPMs) project.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Outcomes, or the results of care, are crucial for measuring the quality of dialysis centers because they reflect the effectiveness of treatment and the overall well-being of patients.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Agreement on outcomes ensures that care is aligned with both the medical expertise of providers and the values and preferences of patients.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dialysis care has evolved from a rudimentary, manually operated procedure to a sophisticated and regulated system. Early treatments were limited by technology and accessibility, leading to the creation of the Medicare ESRD Program to ensure access for all. Today, dialysis centers are more sophisticated, with a focus on quality and patient-centered care.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Patient care technicians play a crucial role in providing direct care to dialysis patients, working under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dialysis treatment has significantly extended life expectancy for patients with kidney failure, allowing many to live for decades after diagnosis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Medicare ESRD Program is unique in that it is a dedicated program specifically for kidney failure patients, covering both dialysis and kidney transplants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>CMS oversees Medicare and ensures that dialysis centers meet quality standards. They conduct inspections through contracts with state Departments of Health and can revoke Medicare certification for centers that fail to comply.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Trim fingernails and keep makeup tasteful.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It helps create a peaceful environment, ensuring patients feel safe and comfortable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Never date patients and never accept gifts from patients.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, important for maintaining patient privacy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists (NANT).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The certification is valid for 2 years.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Completion of a training program for hemodialysis patient care technicians is required.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The CHT exam measures technical proficiency in five major areas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Patient care, which constitutes 65% of the exam.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It tests knowledge in principles of dialysis, machine preparation and operation, patient assessment, and treatment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It undermines professionalism and can create discomfort for the patient.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It can make the patient afraid and uncomfortable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The National Nephrology Certification Organization, Inc. (NNCO).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>At least 12 months of work experience is required.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A healthcare worker assisting patients with chronic kidney disease, especially in dialysis.

A treatment for kidney failure that removes waste, excess fluid, and balances electrolytes.

A common type of dialysis that filters blood through a machine.

A type of dialysis using a catheter in the abdomen to clean blood.

Includes technicians, nurses, dietitians, social workers, doctors, and patients involved in care.

When patients actively participate and manage their own care, leading to better outcomes.

Various elements such as age, activity level, treatment, and social support that influence patient health.

Aim to help patients with CKD achieve the highest level of wellness possible.

The first treatment was performed in 1943 using a rotating drum by Willem Kolff.

Method developed in 1960 for repeated access to blood vessels for dialysis treatments.

First mass-produced dialyzer using a coiled membrane.

Established in 1972 to provide coverage for kidney failure treatments.

Medicare pays a fixed rate per dialysis treatment based on patient specifics.

Degree of health services leading to positive health outcomes, defined by the IOM in 1990.

Set goals for safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, equitable care.

Process of comparing dialysis centers to set standards to ensure quality of care.

Federal agency that oversees Medicare and inspects dialysis centers.

Annual report comparing data from all U.S. dialysis centers for quality metrics.

Tracking results of care agreed upon by providers and patients over time.

Shift from home treatments to more free-standing centers post-1972 ESRD Program.

Development from early technology to modern treatment methods improving patient lives.

Patients today can live longer due to advancements in dialysis treatment.

Personal appearance guidelines for healthcare professionals to ensure a professional image.

Limits set to maintain a safe and appropriate relationship with patients.

The ethical responsibility to protect patient privacy and sensitive information.

National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists, a professional organization for dialysis technicians.

Council of Nephrology Nurses and Technicians, focusing on health policy and professional development.

Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician exam validating competency in hemodialysis care.

Certified Hemodialysis Technician exam measures technical proficiency in dialysis.

Certified in Clinical Nephrology Technology exam for knowledge in dialysis principles and patient assessment.

Certified in Biomedical Nephrology Technology exam covering scientific and regulatory concepts.

Maintaining a clean treatment environment to ensure patient safety and comfort.

Use minimal fragrance in a healthcare setting to avoid overwhelming patients.

Ensuring all equipment is ready and safe before patients come in for treatment.

Keeping noise levels low to create a calming environment for patients.

Rules for maintaining a professional demeanor and not sharing personal issues with patients.

The condition of being diseased or having a medical condition.

The incidence of death within a population.

Systematically developed statements to assist in patient care decisions.

Guidelines for treating kidney failure established by the Renal Physicians Association.

The required dose of hemodialysis for effective kidney treatment.

Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative, focusing on improving kidney care.

Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes, an international initiative for kidney health.

A process for ongoing improvements in patient care quality.

A cyclical model for continuous improvement: Plan, Do, Check, Act.

Exhibiting courteous and conscientious behavior in the workplace.

Respectful interaction with patients, using polite language.

Being diligent and responsible in patient care.

A professional appearance and demeanor in healthcare.

Guidelines to care for patients before starting dialysis.

Collaborative process where patients and clinicians make decisions together.