Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

A technician should notify a nurse when observing significant changes in vital signs or the patient’s condition because such changes can indicate potential complications or emergencies that need immediate attention. Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate, are critical indicators of a patient’s health status, especially during treatment like dialysis, where patients are at risk for various complications such as hypotension, fluid overload, and more. Being vigilant about these changes allows for quick intervention, which can be crucial in preventing adverse outcomes.

In contrast, while it is always good to ensure patient comfort, a patient falling asleep or requesting a drink might not warrant immediate notification unless there are accompanying concerns. Cleaning the dialyzer is a routine maintenance task and should generally not interrupt patient monitoring unless it directly impacts the treatment. Thus, significant changes in patient condition are the top priority for timely communication with nursing staff.