Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

In Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), dialysis is typically indicated when the kidneys have lost a significant amount of their function. Stage 5 CKD, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is characterized by a kidney function that is severely impaired, usually defined by a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less than 15 mL/min. At this stage, the kidneys are no longer able to maintain the body's electrolyte balance, remove waste effectively, or regulate fluid levels. As a result, patients often require renal replacement therapy, which can include dialysis, to manage their condition.

While patients in stage 4 may start discussing options for dialysis or kidney transplantation, it is generally in stage 5 where the need for dialysis becomes critical. This is when symptoms of kidney failure are more prevalent and life-sustaining treatment becomes necessary to avoid serious health complications. Thus, the correct answer highlights that readiness for dialysis aligns with the advanced stage of kidney disease where intervention is essential for patient survival and quality of life.