DaVita RN Exam Study Guide 2026/2027 |
Complete Practice Questions & Verified
Answers | Dialysis Nursing Interview &
Certification Prep
DaVita RN Exam Study Guide 2026/2027 | Complete Practice Questions &
Verified Answers
• 200 rigorously curated multiple-choice questions covering all tested domains
of dialysis nursing — each with a verified correct answer and a detailed EXPERT
RATIONALE to reinforce your understanding.
• Study tip: Work through each question independently before checking the
answer; use the EXPERT RATIONALE to cement the concept, then revisit any weak
areas before your interview or certification exam.
1. What is the primary functional unit of the kidney?
A. Glomerulus
B. Renal pelvis
C. Loop of Henle
D. Collecting duct
E. Nephron
Correct Answer: E. Nephron EXPERT RATIONALE: The nephron is the basic
structural and functional unit of the kidney. Each kidney contains approximately 1
million nephrons responsible for filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.
2. Which of the following best describes the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in
a healthy adult?
A. 30–45 mL/min
,B. 60–75 mL/min
C. 90–120 mL/min
D. 130–150 mL/min
E. 150–180 mL/min
Correct Answer: C. 90–120 mL/min EXPERT RATIONALE: Normal GFR in a
healthy adult is 90–120 mL/min. A GFR below 60 mL/min for more than 3 months
indicates chronic kidney disease (CKD).
3. Which hormone produced by the kidney stimulates red blood cell
production?
A. Aldosterone
B. Renin
C. Erythropoietin
D. Calcitriol
E. Angiotensin II
Correct Answer: C. Erythropoietin EXPERT RATIONALE: Erythropoietin (EPO) is
produced by peritubular cells in the kidney and stimulates the bone marrow to produce
red blood cells. CKD patients often require synthetic EPO (e.g., epoetin alfa) due to
deficient production.
4. The kidneys are responsible for activation of which vitamin?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin B12
C. Vitamin C
D. Vitamin D
E. Vitamin K
, Correct Answer: D. Vitamin D EXPERT RATIONALE: The kidneys convert 25-
hydroxyvitamin D to its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol), which regulates
calcium absorption and bone metabolism.
5. Which of the following electrolytes is primarily regulated by the kidney
through aldosterone?
A. Calcium
B. Phosphorus
C. Sodium
D. Magnesium
E. Bicarbonate
Correct Answer: C. Sodium EXPERT RATIONALE: Aldosterone acts on the distal
tubule and collecting duct to promote sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion,
regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.
6. In end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which complication arises from inability
to excrete phosphorus?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Renal osteodystrophy
D. Hypocalcemia only
E. Secondary hypoaldosteronism
Correct Answer: C. Renal osteodystrophy EXPERT RATIONALE: Phosphorus
retention in ESRD leads to decreased calcium, elevated PTH, and bone disease
collectively termed renal osteodystrophy or CKD-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD).
, 7. Which segment of the nephron is responsible for the majority of sodium
and water reabsorption?
A. Distal convoluted tubule
B. Collecting duct
C. Loop of Henle
D. Proximal convoluted tubule
E. Bowman's capsule
Correct Answer: D. Proximal convoluted tubule EXPERT RATIONALE:
Approximately 65–70% of filtered sodium and water is reabsorbed in the proximal
convoluted tubule, making it the primary site of reabsorption.
8. A patient with CKD stage 5 has a GFR of:
A. 60–89 mL/min
B. 45–59 mL/min
C. 30–44 mL/min
D. 15–29 mL/min
E. Less than 15 mL/min
Correct Answer: E. Less than 15 mL/min EXPERT RATIONALE: CKD is staged 1–5
based on GFR. Stage 5 (ESRD) is defined as GFR <15 mL/min and typically requires renal
replacement therapy (dialysis or transplantation).
9. Which of the following describes the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
(RAAS) response to low blood pressure?
A. Renin inhibits angiotensin II production
B. Renin converts angiotensin II to angiotensin I
C. Renin converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin I
Complete Practice Questions & Verified
Answers | Dialysis Nursing Interview &
Certification Prep
DaVita RN Exam Study Guide 2026/2027 | Complete Practice Questions &
Verified Answers
• 200 rigorously curated multiple-choice questions covering all tested domains
of dialysis nursing — each with a verified correct answer and a detailed EXPERT
RATIONALE to reinforce your understanding.
• Study tip: Work through each question independently before checking the
answer; use the EXPERT RATIONALE to cement the concept, then revisit any weak
areas before your interview or certification exam.
1. What is the primary functional unit of the kidney?
A. Glomerulus
B. Renal pelvis
C. Loop of Henle
D. Collecting duct
E. Nephron
Correct Answer: E. Nephron EXPERT RATIONALE: The nephron is the basic
structural and functional unit of the kidney. Each kidney contains approximately 1
million nephrons responsible for filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.
2. Which of the following best describes the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in
a healthy adult?
A. 30–45 mL/min
,B. 60–75 mL/min
C. 90–120 mL/min
D. 130–150 mL/min
E. 150–180 mL/min
Correct Answer: C. 90–120 mL/min EXPERT RATIONALE: Normal GFR in a
healthy adult is 90–120 mL/min. A GFR below 60 mL/min for more than 3 months
indicates chronic kidney disease (CKD).
3. Which hormone produced by the kidney stimulates red blood cell
production?
A. Aldosterone
B. Renin
C. Erythropoietin
D. Calcitriol
E. Angiotensin II
Correct Answer: C. Erythropoietin EXPERT RATIONALE: Erythropoietin (EPO) is
produced by peritubular cells in the kidney and stimulates the bone marrow to produce
red blood cells. CKD patients often require synthetic EPO (e.g., epoetin alfa) due to
deficient production.
4. The kidneys are responsible for activation of which vitamin?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin B12
C. Vitamin C
D. Vitamin D
E. Vitamin K
, Correct Answer: D. Vitamin D EXPERT RATIONALE: The kidneys convert 25-
hydroxyvitamin D to its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol), which regulates
calcium absorption and bone metabolism.
5. Which of the following electrolytes is primarily regulated by the kidney
through aldosterone?
A. Calcium
B. Phosphorus
C. Sodium
D. Magnesium
E. Bicarbonate
Correct Answer: C. Sodium EXPERT RATIONALE: Aldosterone acts on the distal
tubule and collecting duct to promote sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion,
regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.
6. In end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which complication arises from inability
to excrete phosphorus?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Renal osteodystrophy
D. Hypocalcemia only
E. Secondary hypoaldosteronism
Correct Answer: C. Renal osteodystrophy EXPERT RATIONALE: Phosphorus
retention in ESRD leads to decreased calcium, elevated PTH, and bone disease
collectively termed renal osteodystrophy or CKD-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD).
, 7. Which segment of the nephron is responsible for the majority of sodium
and water reabsorption?
A. Distal convoluted tubule
B. Collecting duct
C. Loop of Henle
D. Proximal convoluted tubule
E. Bowman's capsule
Correct Answer: D. Proximal convoluted tubule EXPERT RATIONALE:
Approximately 65–70% of filtered sodium and water is reabsorbed in the proximal
convoluted tubule, making it the primary site of reabsorption.
8. A patient with CKD stage 5 has a GFR of:
A. 60–89 mL/min
B. 45–59 mL/min
C. 30–44 mL/min
D. 15–29 mL/min
E. Less than 15 mL/min
Correct Answer: E. Less than 15 mL/min EXPERT RATIONALE: CKD is staged 1–5
based on GFR. Stage 5 (ESRD) is defined as GFR <15 mL/min and typically requires renal
replacement therapy (dialysis or transplantation).
9. Which of the following describes the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
(RAAS) response to low blood pressure?
A. Renin inhibits angiotensin II production
B. Renin converts angiotensin II to angiotensin I
C. Renin converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin I
