Chronic kidney disease in the Kenntnisprüfung
When the kidneys fail gradually: knowing the stages, keeping a fluid balance, protecting the dialysis shunt – and recognising hyperkalaemia as a life-threatening red flag.
Content created with AI assistance from public clinical sources (RKI, AWMF) – may contain mistakes; if in doubt, your textbook is right
Translated from the German original, which is authoritative. The exam itself is in German.
Sample questions from exam preparation
What is strictly forbidden on the shunt arm of a dialysis patient?
- Blood pressure measurement, blood sampling, infusions and constricting clothing/dressings
- Washing with soap and water and any movement of the arm, to avoid rebleeding
- Blood pressure measurement and infusions; blood sampling is allowed if the tourniquet is applied briefly
- Jewellery and watches; blood pressure measurement is harmless if the thrill is clearly palpable
Explanation: The shunt is the dialysis patient’s lifeline: pressure and punctures outside dialysis endanger it. Mark it at the bed and in the chart (Kurve), and inform all professional groups.
How do you check the function of the dialysis shunt?
- By measuring blood pressure daily on the shunt arm and comparing it with the other arm
- By palpating the thrill (Schwirren) over the shunt — if it is absent, report it immediately
- By palpating the radial pulse on the shunt arm — if it is palpable, all is well
- By inspecting for redness; palpation and auscultation are reserved for the dialysis centre
Explanation: The palpable thrill (and the audible bruit on auscultation) indicates flow. A “silent” shunt means impending occlusion — a vascular emergency; inform the doctor immediately.
Key German terms for Chronic kidney disease
- der Harnwegsinfekt (HWI) – urinary tract infection (UTI)
- das Brennen beim Wasserlassen / die Dysurie – burning during urination / dysuria
- der häufige Harndrang / die Pollakisurie – frequent urge to urinate
- der übelriechende / trübe Urin – foul-smelling / cloudy urine
- der Dauerkatheter (DK) – indwelling urinary catheter
20 exam questions on Chronic kidney disease, plus case simulations with an AI examiner and graded feedback – practise until you feel confident.
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