Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CCHT Practice Questions and Study Guide

When the dialyzer membrane is compromised, replacing the dialyzer is the appropriate action to ensure patient safety and effective treatment. The dialyzer, which is a critical component of the hemodialysis machine, functions by filtering waste, excess fluid, and toxins from the blood. If the membrane is damaged or has developed a leak, it can result in blood contamination and inadequate filtration, posing serious risks to the patient’s health.

For instance, a compromised dialyzer can allow blood cells and proteins to pass through, leading to potential hemolysis or loss of essential components in the blood. Additionally, contamination could allow for pathogens or toxins to enter the bloodstream, which could lead to severe complications.

In contrast, reusing a compromised dialyzer, performing additional cleaning, or simply notifying the patient without taking action against the compromised device would not address the underlying issue of the membrane damage. Instead, these options could endanger the patient's well-being and compromise the efficacy of the dialysis treatment. Therefore, replacing the dialyzer is the only option that ensures patient safety and treatment effectiveness.