Certified Hemodialysis Technician Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A patient is typically ready for dialysis at Stage 5 of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). At this stage, kidney function is severely compromised, with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less than 15 mL/min. The kidneys are unable to maintain the body's balance of fluids, electrolytes, and waste products, leading to significant health risks.

Once a patient reaches Stage 5, they often experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and fluid overload, which can seriously affect their quality of life. Dialysis is initiated to artificially perform the functions of the kidneys, helping to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood. While preparation for dialysis may occur in Stage 4, the actual need for dialysis typically arises at Stage 5 due to the critical decline in kidney function.

Understanding the progression of CKD helps healthcare providers make timely decisions regarding the initiation of dialysis to improve patient outcomes and manage the complications associated with kidney failure.