CDN case studies
CDN · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) credential is a specialty certification offered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) for registered nurses who care for patients with kidney disease who may require dialysis. NNCC describes the CDN program as being for "RNs with at least 2,000 hours of experience caring for patients who may require dialysis," so it is aimed at nurses who already have bedside or chairside nephrology experience rather than new graduates. The CDN case studies are 5 cases and about 3,792 words.
1Asymptomatic Stage G5 CKD: When to Treat, When to Dialyze, When to Refer for Access
A is 61 with CKD from type 2 diabetes. Current eGFR 15 mL/min/1.73 m², potassium 5.7 mmol/L, bicarbonate 17 mmol/L, phosphate 6.2 mg/dL, corrected calcium 8.6 mg/dL, PTH 310 pg/mL, hemoglobin 9.4 g/dL, ferritin 180 ng/mL, TSAT 22%.
785 words, about 4 min2A Mature Fistula, a Failing Catheter, and a Falling Kt/V
R is 47 and has a left radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula created 9 weeks ago. On assessment the thrill is strong, the outflow vein measures 6 mm with 5 mm depth, and there is a straight 5 cm cannulation segment.
795 words, about 4 min3Cloudy Effluent on CAPD: Peritonitis Decisions
D is 68 and has been on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis for 2 years: four 2 L exchanges daily with 2.5% dextrose. He presents with 2 days of diffuse abdominal pain, nausea, and cloudy effluent.
750 words, about 4 min4Symptomatic Hypotension Mid-Treatment
K is 74 and has been on in-center hemodialysis three times weekly for 3 years. Dry weight 58 kg; today's predialysis weight 61.8 kg with a 3.8 kg ultrafiltration goal over 4 hours.
726 words, about 4 min5Shortened Treatments, a Job, and a Request for Secrecy
T is 39 and has been on in-center hemodialysis for 8 months. Over the past 6 weeks he has shortened 6 of 18 sessions to an average of 3 hours 10 minutes and missed two.
736 words, about 4 min