Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
(NNCC) Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) Exam
Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
(NNCC) Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) Exam
Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
(NNCC) Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) Exam
Exam Coverage: Most Tested Areas
1. Concepts of Kidney Disease and Kidney Failure (~28%) — CKD/AKI
pathophysiology, staging, uremic complications, fluid/electrolyte imbalances,
anemia management, CKD-MBD 4 15
2. Hemodialysis Principles and Procedures (~52-54%) — Vascular access
assessment, dialyzer function, dialysate composition, machine
, troubleshooting, adequacy monitoring, intradialytic complications 4 15
3. Peritoneal Dialysis (~14-16%) — Catheter care, exchange procedures,
peritonitis recognition, ultrafiltration assessment, patient education 4 15
4. Transplant and Acute Therapies (~4%) — Immunosuppression awareness,
transplant complications, CRRT indications at nursing level 4 15
5. Infection Control (12%) — Hepatitis B isolation, catheter-related bloodstream
infections, aseptic technique, water treatment standards 15
6. Dialysis Medications (12%) — Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, phosphate
binders, antihypertensives, anticoagulation, renal dosing 15
7. Patient Education and Self-Management (6%) — Dietary restrictions, fluid
adherence, access care, modality teaching 15
8. Interdisciplinary Collaboration (6%) — Care coordination, transplant referral,
psychosocial support 15
9. Psychosocial and Cultural Considerations (3%) — Depression screening,
adherence barriers, quality of life 15
,10. Professional Practice and Safety (2%) — Quality improvement, regulatory
standards, scope of practice 15
Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
(NNCC) Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) Exam
Questions 1–200
1. A patient with chronic kidney disease stage 4 has a glomerular filtration rate
that falls within which of the following ranges measured in milliliters per minute
per 1.73 square meters?
A. Greater than 90
B. 60 to 89
C. 30 to 59
D. 15 to 29
, Correct Answer: D
Rationale: CKD staging is based on GFR. Stage 4 (severe CKD) corresponds to a
GFR of 15–29 mL/min/1.73 m². Stage 1 is ≥90, Stage 2 is 60–89, Stage 3 is 30–59,
and Stage 5 is <15 (kidney failure/ESRD). Accurate staging guides clinical
decision-making regarding dialysis initiation and medication dosing 8 12 .
2. Which of the following vascular access devices is considered the gold
standard for long-term hemodialysis due to its lowest rate of infection and
thrombosis?
A. Central venous catheter
B. Arteriovenous graft
C. Arteriovenous fistula
D. Peritoneal dialysis catheter
Correct Answer: C
(NNCC) Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) Exam
Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
(NNCC) Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) Exam
Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
(NNCC) Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) Exam
Exam Coverage: Most Tested Areas
1. Concepts of Kidney Disease and Kidney Failure (~28%) — CKD/AKI
pathophysiology, staging, uremic complications, fluid/electrolyte imbalances,
anemia management, CKD-MBD 4 15
2. Hemodialysis Principles and Procedures (~52-54%) — Vascular access
assessment, dialyzer function, dialysate composition, machine
, troubleshooting, adequacy monitoring, intradialytic complications 4 15
3. Peritoneal Dialysis (~14-16%) — Catheter care, exchange procedures,
peritonitis recognition, ultrafiltration assessment, patient education 4 15
4. Transplant and Acute Therapies (~4%) — Immunosuppression awareness,
transplant complications, CRRT indications at nursing level 4 15
5. Infection Control (12%) — Hepatitis B isolation, catheter-related bloodstream
infections, aseptic technique, water treatment standards 15
6. Dialysis Medications (12%) — Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, phosphate
binders, antihypertensives, anticoagulation, renal dosing 15
7. Patient Education and Self-Management (6%) — Dietary restrictions, fluid
adherence, access care, modality teaching 15
8. Interdisciplinary Collaboration (6%) — Care coordination, transplant referral,
psychosocial support 15
9. Psychosocial and Cultural Considerations (3%) — Depression screening,
adherence barriers, quality of life 15
,10. Professional Practice and Safety (2%) — Quality improvement, regulatory
standards, scope of practice 15
Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
(NNCC) Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) Exam
Questions 1–200
1. A patient with chronic kidney disease stage 4 has a glomerular filtration rate
that falls within which of the following ranges measured in milliliters per minute
per 1.73 square meters?
A. Greater than 90
B. 60 to 89
C. 30 to 59
D. 15 to 29
, Correct Answer: D
Rationale: CKD staging is based on GFR. Stage 4 (severe CKD) corresponds to a
GFR of 15–29 mL/min/1.73 m². Stage 1 is ≥90, Stage 2 is 60–89, Stage 3 is 30–59,
and Stage 5 is <15 (kidney failure/ESRD). Accurate staging guides clinical
decision-making regarding dialysis initiation and medication dosing 8 12 .
2. Which of the following vascular access devices is considered the gold
standard for long-term hemodialysis due to its lowest rate of infection and
thrombosis?
A. Central venous catheter
B. Arteriovenous graft
C. Arteriovenous fistula
D. Peritoneal dialysis catheter
Correct Answer: C
