CNeph(C) Nephrology Nursing study plan

Map nephron anatomy segment by segment and state the transport function and hormone sensitivity of each segment from memory

Explain glomerular filtration physiology, including Starling forces and autoregulation, and connect each mechanism to at least one clinical consequence

Differentiate pre-renal, intrinsic, and post-renal azotemia using urinalysis, fractional excretion of sodium, and urine osmolality patterns

Label the three hemodialysis vascular access types and list three advantages and three complications for each

Trace the extracorporeal circuit from arterial needle to venous needle and name the function of each component

Calculate urea reduction ratio and Kt/V from sample pre- and post-dialysis BUN values and interpret whether targets are met

Describe monitoring and cannulation steps for arteriovenous fistulas and grafts, including infiltration management

Identify signs of access recirculation, stenosis, and infection and state the immediate nursing action for each

Explain dialyzer membrane types, clearance principles, and the nursing implications of reuse or single-use policy

Sequence the steps for responding to a dialysis machine alarm for conductivity, air detector, and transmembrane pressure

Stage chronic kidney disease using estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria categories and state monitoring frequency for each stage

Explain the pathophysiology and nursing management of anemia, mineral and bone disorder, and metabolic acidosis in chronic kidney disease

Compare conservative management, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and transplant as treatment options and match each to patient-specific factors

Interpret a set of laboratory results for a patient with stage 4 chronic kidney disease and prioritize three nursing problems

Classify acute kidney injury by KDIGO creatinine and urine output criteria and apply the criteria to three clinical scenarios

Differentiate the four types of intrinsic acute kidney injury by mechanism, urinalysis findings, and expected course

Plan fluid and electrolyte correction for hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and volume overload, including when renal replacement therapy is indicated

Calculate a safe fluid allowance and estimate daily sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake for a sample dialysis patient

Identify drug dosing adjustments and nephrotoxin avoidance strategies for a patient with acute kidney injury

Demonstrate the peritoneal dialysis exchange sequence and explain how dwell time, dextrose concentration, and fill volume affect ultrafiltration

Compare continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis with automated peritoneal dialysis and match each schedule to patient lifestyle needs

Recognize peritonitis, exit-site infection, and catheter malfunction and state the specimen collection and escalation steps

Apply standard and transmission-based precautions to dialysis units, including hand hygiene, vascular access care, and surface disinfection

Explain hepatitis B vaccination, screening, and isolation practices specific to dialysis settings

Describe the pre-transplant evaluation, waitlist process, and organ matching principles at a level sufficient to answer patient questions

Explain immunosuppressant classes, their mechanisms, key adverse effects, and monitoring parameters

Prioritize nursing assessments for signs of acute rejection, infection, and calcineurin inhibitor toxicity in the first year post-transplant

Review the pharmacology of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, phosphate binders, vitamin D analogs, and antihypertensives used in kidney disease

Verify a medication list for a dialysis patient against renal dosing references and flag three high-risk agents

Build a teaching plan that explains sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and fluid restrictions in plain language and checks patient understanding

Apply behavior change and self-management support techniques to a patient struggling with adherence to fluid limits

Screen for depression, anxiety, and caregiver strain in a dialysis patient and identify appropriate referral pathways

Adapt education for low health literacy, older adults, and patients using interpreters

Apply ethical principles to cases involving treatment refusal, dialysis withdrawal, capacity, and resource allocation

Identify safety practices for medication administration, machine operation, and sharps handling in nephrology settings

Integrate all domains by working through three full-length mixed practice examinations under timed conditions

Analyze error patterns from practice tests and build a targeted review list of the five weakest content areas

Rehearse a concise verbal explanation of dialysis adequacy and access care suitable for a patient or colleague