Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN®) Exam 2026 |
Renal Function & Dialysis | Practice Questions &
Verified Answers
1. Describe the role of icodextrin in the management of fluid balance for
peritoneal dialysis patients.
Icodextrin helps to maintain osmotic balance and reduce fluid
overload in peritoneal dialysis patients.
Icodextrin is used to increase urine output in patients.
Icodextrin acts as an antibiotic in the dialysis process.
Icodextrin is primarily used to enhance blood cell production.
2. Describe the significance of maintaining serum potassium levels within
the normal range for renal function.
Normal serum potassium levels are not significant for renal
function.
Maintaining serum potassium levels within the normal range is
crucial for proper cardiac and muscular function, as well as
preventing complications associated with renal failure.
Serum potassium levels only affect muscle function, not cardiac
function.
High serum potassium levels are beneficial for renal function.
3. If a patient prefers to maintain a regular work schedule while managing
their renal condition, which dialysis option would likely be more suitable,
and why?
Hemodialysis, because it is quicker and requires less patient
involvement.
Peritoneal dialysis, because it offers more flexibility and can be
done at home.
, Peritoneal dialysis, because it requires fewer dietary restrictions.
Hemodialysis, because it is more effective in removing toxins.
4. A patient presents with symptoms of confusion and headache.
Laboratory tests reveal low sodium levels. If the patient is also
experiencing fluid overload, what would be the most appropriate initial
management strategy?
Infuse normal saline
Restrict fluid intake
Increase sodium intake
Administer diuretics
5. Which three parameters are used in the RIFLE criteria to assess renal
risk, injury, and failure?
BP, pulse pressure and GFR
BP, GFR and urine output
Creatinine, urine output and GFR
Creatinine, BP and HR
6. In a patient with renal failure, how might phosphate elimination be
affected, and what implications does this have for treatment?
Phosphate elimination may be decreased, leading to
hyperphosphatemia, which requires dietary restrictions and
phosphate binders.
Phosphate elimination remains unchanged, requiring no
intervention.
Phosphate elimination may be enhanced, leading to normal
phosphate levels without treatment.
, Phosphate elimination may increase, leading to
hypophosphatemia, which requires phosphate supplementation.
7. Which of the following corresponds most closely to the range of normal
urine sodium values?
455-470 mg/dL
335-445 mg/dL
200-320 mg/dL
40-120 mg/dL
8. Why is it important for nursing professionals to be aware of the normal
phosphate levels?
Normal phosphate levels are crucial for assessing renal
function and managing electrolyte imbalances.
Phosphate levels only affect bone health.
Phosphate levels are only important during dialysis.
Phosphate levels are irrelevant to renal health.
9. Which of the following most accurately characterizes hyponatremia?
it is a condition of low sodium in the blood
it is a condition of low sodium in the urine
it is a condition typically resulting from individuals following a
heart healthy, low-sodium diet
it is a condition of high sodium in the urine
10. The following drug or drugs may be administered o remove potassium
from the body in the patient with hyperkalemia 2/2 acute renal failure?
glucose and insulin infusion
, calcium chloride
sodium bicarbonate
kayexalate and sorbitol
11. How do you prevent acute renal failure/injury in the ICU setting?
Adequate hydration
Maintain perfusion pressures
Avoiding nephrotoxic agents
All of the above
12. A patient presents with a pH of 7.50, PaCO2 of 38 mmHg, and serum
potassium of 2.8 mEq/L. Based on these findings, what condition might
the patient be experiencing?
Metabolic alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
13. What is the primary purpose of the catheter break-in period in
peritoneal dialysis?
To allow for healing of the peritoneal dialysis catheter site.
To initiate immediate dialysis treatment.
To monitor electrolyte levels in the patient.
To assess renal function through urine output.
14. Describe the potential neurological effects of serum sodium levels
falling below 120 mEq/L.
Renal Function & Dialysis | Practice Questions &
Verified Answers
1. Describe the role of icodextrin in the management of fluid balance for
peritoneal dialysis patients.
Icodextrin helps to maintain osmotic balance and reduce fluid
overload in peritoneal dialysis patients.
Icodextrin is used to increase urine output in patients.
Icodextrin acts as an antibiotic in the dialysis process.
Icodextrin is primarily used to enhance blood cell production.
2. Describe the significance of maintaining serum potassium levels within
the normal range for renal function.
Normal serum potassium levels are not significant for renal
function.
Maintaining serum potassium levels within the normal range is
crucial for proper cardiac and muscular function, as well as
preventing complications associated with renal failure.
Serum potassium levels only affect muscle function, not cardiac
function.
High serum potassium levels are beneficial for renal function.
3. If a patient prefers to maintain a regular work schedule while managing
their renal condition, which dialysis option would likely be more suitable,
and why?
Hemodialysis, because it is quicker and requires less patient
involvement.
Peritoneal dialysis, because it offers more flexibility and can be
done at home.
, Peritoneal dialysis, because it requires fewer dietary restrictions.
Hemodialysis, because it is more effective in removing toxins.
4. A patient presents with symptoms of confusion and headache.
Laboratory tests reveal low sodium levels. If the patient is also
experiencing fluid overload, what would be the most appropriate initial
management strategy?
Infuse normal saline
Restrict fluid intake
Increase sodium intake
Administer diuretics
5. Which three parameters are used in the RIFLE criteria to assess renal
risk, injury, and failure?
BP, pulse pressure and GFR
BP, GFR and urine output
Creatinine, urine output and GFR
Creatinine, BP and HR
6. In a patient with renal failure, how might phosphate elimination be
affected, and what implications does this have for treatment?
Phosphate elimination may be decreased, leading to
hyperphosphatemia, which requires dietary restrictions and
phosphate binders.
Phosphate elimination remains unchanged, requiring no
intervention.
Phosphate elimination may be enhanced, leading to normal
phosphate levels without treatment.
, Phosphate elimination may increase, leading to
hypophosphatemia, which requires phosphate supplementation.
7. Which of the following corresponds most closely to the range of normal
urine sodium values?
455-470 mg/dL
335-445 mg/dL
200-320 mg/dL
40-120 mg/dL
8. Why is it important for nursing professionals to be aware of the normal
phosphate levels?
Normal phosphate levels are crucial for assessing renal
function and managing electrolyte imbalances.
Phosphate levels only affect bone health.
Phosphate levels are only important during dialysis.
Phosphate levels are irrelevant to renal health.
9. Which of the following most accurately characterizes hyponatremia?
it is a condition of low sodium in the blood
it is a condition of low sodium in the urine
it is a condition typically resulting from individuals following a
heart healthy, low-sodium diet
it is a condition of high sodium in the urine
10. The following drug or drugs may be administered o remove potassium
from the body in the patient with hyperkalemia 2/2 acute renal failure?
glucose and insulin infusion
, calcium chloride
sodium bicarbonate
kayexalate and sorbitol
11. How do you prevent acute renal failure/injury in the ICU setting?
Adequate hydration
Maintain perfusion pressures
Avoiding nephrotoxic agents
All of the above
12. A patient presents with a pH of 7.50, PaCO2 of 38 mmHg, and serum
potassium of 2.8 mEq/L. Based on these findings, what condition might
the patient be experiencing?
Metabolic alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis
13. What is the primary purpose of the catheter break-in period in
peritoneal dialysis?
To allow for healing of the peritoneal dialysis catheter site.
To initiate immediate dialysis treatment.
To monitor electrolyte levels in the patient.
To assess renal function through urine output.
14. Describe the potential neurological effects of serum sodium levels
falling below 120 mEq/L.
