CDN (DIALYSIS NURSE) – PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD
PDF.
CORE DOMAINS
Concepts of Nephrology
Hemodialysis Procedures and Complications
Peritoneal Dialysis Management
Transplant Coordination and Post-Op Care
Pharmacological Interventions
Professional Responsibility and Ethics
Patient Education and Psychosocial Care
Acute Kidney Injury and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
INTRODUCTION
The Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) practice examination is designed to provide a
comprehensive assessment of the specialized knowledge required for nephrology
nursing. This exam evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in managing end-stage renal
disease, understanding complex physiological processes, and executing technical
,dialysis procedures. The assessment comprises multiple-choice and scenario-based
questions that mirror the clinical challenges faced in various dialysis settings. By
focusing on real-world application, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making, this
tool ensures that practitioners are prepared to deliver high-quality, evidence-based
care. Candidates will be assessed on their ability to integrate clinical data with
patient-centered interventions to optimize long-term health outcomes.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. Which of the following is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease in
the United States?
A. Polycystic kidney disease
🟢 B. Diabetes mellitus
C. Systemic lupus erythematosus
D. Chronic glomerulonephritis
🔴 RATIONALE: Diabetes mellitus remains the leading cause of chronic kidney
disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), accounting for nearly half of all
new cases due to diabetic nephropathy.
, 2. A patient on hemodialysis develops sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and
a "mill wheel" murmur is heard upon auscultation. What is the priority nursing
action?
A. Administer a 200mL bolus of normal saline
🟢 B. Place the patient in Trendelenburg position on their left side
C. Increase the blood pump speed to clear the lines
D. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
🔴 RATIONALE: These signs indicate an air embolism. Placing the patient in Left
Side Trendelenburg (Durant's Maneuver) helps trap the air in the apex of the right
ventricle, preventing it from entering the pulmonary artery.
3. During a hemodialysis treatment, a patient complains of muscle cramps in the
lower legs. Which intervention is most appropriate?
🟢 A. Administer a bolus of normal saline as prescribed
B. Increase the ultrafiltration rate to remove excess fluid
C. Administer oral potassium supplements
D. Place the patient in a high-Fowler’s position
, 🔴 RATIONALE: Muscle cramps are often caused by rapid fluid removal or
hypotension. Administering a saline bolus helps restore intravascular volume and
alleviate the cramp.
4. Which laboratory value is the most accurate indicator of a patient’s long-term
glycemic control?
A. Post-prandial blood glucose
B. Serum albumin
🟢 C. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
🔴 RATIONALE: HbA1c measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2–
3 months, providing a reliable picture of long-term sugar management.
5. What is the primary function of the salt bridge in the preparation of bicarbonate
dialysate?
A. To prevent the precipitation of calcium and magnesium
B. To maintain the pH of the blood
🟢 C. To facilitate the mixing of acid and bicarbonate concentrates
D. To sterilize the dialysate solution
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD
PDF.
CORE DOMAINS
Concepts of Nephrology
Hemodialysis Procedures and Complications
Peritoneal Dialysis Management
Transplant Coordination and Post-Op Care
Pharmacological Interventions
Professional Responsibility and Ethics
Patient Education and Psychosocial Care
Acute Kidney Injury and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
INTRODUCTION
The Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) practice examination is designed to provide a
comprehensive assessment of the specialized knowledge required for nephrology
nursing. This exam evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in managing end-stage renal
disease, understanding complex physiological processes, and executing technical
,dialysis procedures. The assessment comprises multiple-choice and scenario-based
questions that mirror the clinical challenges faced in various dialysis settings. By
focusing on real-world application, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making, this
tool ensures that practitioners are prepared to deliver high-quality, evidence-based
care. Candidates will be assessed on their ability to integrate clinical data with
patient-centered interventions to optimize long-term health outcomes.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. Which of the following is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease in
the United States?
A. Polycystic kidney disease
🟢 B. Diabetes mellitus
C. Systemic lupus erythematosus
D. Chronic glomerulonephritis
🔴 RATIONALE: Diabetes mellitus remains the leading cause of chronic kidney
disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), accounting for nearly half of all
new cases due to diabetic nephropathy.
, 2. A patient on hemodialysis develops sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and
a "mill wheel" murmur is heard upon auscultation. What is the priority nursing
action?
A. Administer a 200mL bolus of normal saline
🟢 B. Place the patient in Trendelenburg position on their left side
C. Increase the blood pump speed to clear the lines
D. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
🔴 RATIONALE: These signs indicate an air embolism. Placing the patient in Left
Side Trendelenburg (Durant's Maneuver) helps trap the air in the apex of the right
ventricle, preventing it from entering the pulmonary artery.
3. During a hemodialysis treatment, a patient complains of muscle cramps in the
lower legs. Which intervention is most appropriate?
🟢 A. Administer a bolus of normal saline as prescribed
B. Increase the ultrafiltration rate to remove excess fluid
C. Administer oral potassium supplements
D. Place the patient in a high-Fowler’s position
, 🔴 RATIONALE: Muscle cramps are often caused by rapid fluid removal or
hypotension. Administering a saline bolus helps restore intravascular volume and
alleviate the cramp.
4. Which laboratory value is the most accurate indicator of a patient’s long-term
glycemic control?
A. Post-prandial blood glucose
B. Serum albumin
🟢 C. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
🔴 RATIONALE: HbA1c measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2–
3 months, providing a reliable picture of long-term sugar management.
5. What is the primary function of the salt bridge in the preparation of bicarbonate
dialysate?
A. To prevent the precipitation of calcium and magnesium
B. To maintain the pH of the blood
🟢 C. To facilitate the mixing of acid and bicarbonate concentrates
D. To sterilize the dialysate solution
