Certification Commission (NNCC) - Answer
SECTION 1: Renal Anatomy & Physiology (Questions 1-20)
Question 1
What is a nephron made up of?
A) A loop of Henle and a capillary ball only
B) A glomerulus and a tubule system
C) The cortex and a capsule
D) The bladder and the uterus
Answer: B
Rationale: The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney composed of a
glomerulus (for filtration) and a renal tubule (for reabsorption and secretion).
Each kidney contains approximately 1 million nephrons .
Question 2
Which of the following substances is produced by the kidney?
A) Aldosterone
B) Renin
C) Insulin
,D) Cortisol
Answer: B
Rationale: The kidneys produce renin (regulates blood pressure), erythropoietin
(stimulates RBC production), and calcitriol (active vitamin D). Aldosterone is
produced by the adrenal glands, insulin by the pancreas, and cortisol by the
adrenal cortex .
Question 3
What is the normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in a healthy adult?
A) 50 mL/min/1.73 m²
B) 75 mL/min/1.73 m²
C) 125 mL/min/1.73 m²
D) 200 mL/min/1.73 m²
Answer: C
Rationale: Normal GFR is approximately 125 mL/min/1.73 m² in healthy adults.
GFR is the best overall index of kidney function. A GFR below 60 mL/min for 3
months or more indicates chronic kidney disease .
,Question 4
Which kidney structure connects with and delivers urine directly to the ureter?
A) Calyx
B) Pelvis
C) Glomerulus
D) Cortex
Answer: B
Rationale: The renal pelvis is the funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from
the calyces and transports it into the ureter. The calyx collects urine from the
pyramids, but the pelvis is the final collecting chamber before the ureter .
Question 5
What is the most common cause of kidney failure in US adults?
A) Hypertension
B) Glomerulonephritis
C) Diabetes
D) Polycystic kidney disease
Answer: C
, Rationale: Diabetes is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in US
adults, accounting for nearly 50% of new cases. Hypertension is the second most
common cause .
Question 6
What condition is caused by a buildup of wastes in the blood?
A) Uremia
B) Azotemia
C) Edema
D) Acidosis
Answer: A
Rationale: Uremia refers to the clinical syndrome resulting from the accumulation
of nitrogenous waste products (urea, creatinine) and other toxins in the blood
due to kidney failure. Symptoms include nausea, fatigue, confusion, and metallic
taste .
Question 7
What causes secondary hyperparathyroidism in people with kidney failure?
A) Excess calcium intake