During saline circulation, which action is performed on the venous end of the dialyzer?

During saline circulation, which action is performed on the venous end of the dialyzer?

• A. Tap
• B. Pinch and release
• C. Clamp
• D. Twist

Answer: (A)

During saline circulation, the focus is on moving any trapped air out of the circuit and keeping the dialyzer primed so blood can return smoothly. Gently tapping the venous end helps dislodge small air bubbles and encourage them to rise toward the venous line and out of the circuit. This keeps the saline flow continuous and reduces the risk of air entering the patient when dialysis begins. Other actions would either stop or obstruct flow (clamping), cause pressure changes or potential injury to the line (pinching and releasing), or kink the tubing (twisting). These disrupt the priming process and are not appropriate during saline circulation.

During saline circulation, the focus is on moving any trapped air out of the circuit and keeping the dialyzer primed so blood can return smoothly. Gently tapping the venous end helps dislodge small air bubbles and encourage them to rise toward the venous line and out of the circuit. This keeps the saline flow continuous and reduces the risk of air entering the patient when dialysis begins.

Other actions would either stop or obstruct flow (clamping), cause pressure changes or potential injury to the line (pinching and releasing), or kink the tubing (twisting). These disrupt the priming process and are not appropriate during saline circulation.