Which checks should a dialysis technician perform on the dialysis machine before a patient's first hemodialysis session?

The correct response focuses on the importance of testing all extracorporeal alarms and conductivity on the dialysis machine prior to a patient's first hemodialysis session. This is crucial because the alarms are essential for patient safety, alerting personnel to any issues that might occur during the treatment, such as clots or blood leaks. Conductivity testing ensures that the dialysate solution is at the appropriate ionic concentration, which is vital for effective dialysis treatment.

A machine malfunction or improper dialysate composition can lead to inadequate treatment or adverse patient reactions. Therefore, confirming that the machine's alarms are operational and that the conductivity is accurate is a fundamental step in ensuring the equipment is functioning correctly and safely for the patient’s session.

Although testing the temperature and dialysate concentration is important, ensuring that the alarms and conductivity are operational takes priority because they directly impact patient safety during the session. Therefore, testing all extracorporeal alarms and conductivity is a critical part of pre-treatment checks.