Objective: Understand how healthy kidneys work and what fails in ESRD.
| Topic | Key Points | |-------|-------------| | Kidney structure | Nephrons, glomerulus, tubules, collecting ducts | | Key functions | Fluid balance, electrolyte regulation (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, PO₄³⁻), acid-base balance, waste excretion (urea, creatinine), hormone production (erythropoietin, renin) | | Kidney failure stages | CKD stages 1–5; GFR < 15 mL/min = ESRD | | Uremic symptoms | Fatigue, nausea, itching, confusion, edema, hyperkalemia |
Checkpoint: Describe why a dialysis patient may develop anemia (lack of erythropoietin). core curriculum for the dialysis technicianpdf new
The healthcare landscape post-COVID and the updated CMS Conditions for Coverage have driven major changes. The new core curriculum for the dialysis technician pdf (6th ed.) includes critical updates that are absent from older versions. Here is what you will find in the new PDF:
The Technical Mechanics
A significant portion of the curriculum focuses on the equipment, ensuring technicians can operate machinery safely and troubleshoot common errors.
1. The Dialysis Circuit
2. Principles of Solute Transport
3. Water Treatment Systems
4. Dialysate