Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN)
Examination Questions and Correct
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Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 is most likely
to have which lab abnormality?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyperphosphatemia
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Rationale: In CKD, phosphate excretion is reduced, leading to
hyperphosphatemia.
Answer: C
,2. The primary purpose of erythropoietin therapy in dialysis patients
is to:
A. Prevent infection
B. Treat anemia
C. Lower potassium
D. Increase calcium absorption
Rationale: Erythropoietin stimulates red blood cell production to
treat anemia of CKD.
Answer: B
3. Which access is considered the gold standard for hemodialysis?
A. Femoral catheter
B. Tunneled central venous catheter
C. Arteriovenous fistula
D. Arteriovenous graft
Rationale: AV fistulas have the lowest infection and thrombosis
rates.
Answer: C
4. A bruit and thrill are assessed in which type of access?
A. Peritoneal catheter
, B. AV fistula
C. Urinary catheter
D. Central line
Rationale: Bruit and thrill indicate patency of AV fistula or graft.
Answer: B
5. Which complication is most associated with peritoneal dialysis?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Peritonitis
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Stroke
Rationale: Peritonitis is a major infectious complication of PD.
Answer: B
6. What is the most appropriate action if a dialysis patient develops
muscle cramps during treatment?
A. Increase ultrafiltration
B. Decrease ultrafiltration rate
C. Administer potassium
D. Restrict oxygen
Rationale: Muscle cramps often result from excessive fluid
, removal.
Answer: B
7. Which electrolyte imbalance is most life-threatening in renal
failure?
A. Mild hyponatremia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Rationale: Hyperkalemia can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Answer: B
8. A dialysis patient with chest pain during treatment should first be
assessed for:
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Air embolism
C. Myocardial ischemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Rationale: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality
in dialysis patients.
Answer: C
Examination Questions and Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 is most likely
to have which lab abnormality?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyperphosphatemia
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Rationale: In CKD, phosphate excretion is reduced, leading to
hyperphosphatemia.
Answer: C
,2. The primary purpose of erythropoietin therapy in dialysis patients
is to:
A. Prevent infection
B. Treat anemia
C. Lower potassium
D. Increase calcium absorption
Rationale: Erythropoietin stimulates red blood cell production to
treat anemia of CKD.
Answer: B
3. Which access is considered the gold standard for hemodialysis?
A. Femoral catheter
B. Tunneled central venous catheter
C. Arteriovenous fistula
D. Arteriovenous graft
Rationale: AV fistulas have the lowest infection and thrombosis
rates.
Answer: C
4. A bruit and thrill are assessed in which type of access?
A. Peritoneal catheter
, B. AV fistula
C. Urinary catheter
D. Central line
Rationale: Bruit and thrill indicate patency of AV fistula or graft.
Answer: B
5. Which complication is most associated with peritoneal dialysis?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Peritonitis
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Stroke
Rationale: Peritonitis is a major infectious complication of PD.
Answer: B
6. What is the most appropriate action if a dialysis patient develops
muscle cramps during treatment?
A. Increase ultrafiltration
B. Decrease ultrafiltration rate
C. Administer potassium
D. Restrict oxygen
Rationale: Muscle cramps often result from excessive fluid
, removal.
Answer: B
7. Which electrolyte imbalance is most life-threatening in renal
failure?
A. Mild hyponatremia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Rationale: Hyperkalemia can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Answer: B
8. A dialysis patient with chest pain during treatment should first be
assessed for:
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Air embolism
C. Myocardial ischemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Rationale: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality
in dialysis patients.
Answer: C
