CDN study guide
CDN · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
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 study guide has 5 sections and about 1,458 words.
01Pathophysiology and Management of Kidney Disease
CKD is staged by GFR (G1 ≥90, G2 60–89, G3a 45–59, G3b 30–44, G4 15–29, G5 <15 mL/min/1.73 m²) combined with an albuminuria category (A1 <30, A2 30–300, A3 300 mg/g). Staging requires kidney damage or reduced GFR persisting more than three months; a single abnormal creatinine is not CKD.
288 words, about 1 min02Hemodialysis Therapy and Vascular Access
Hemodialysis removes solute by diffusion down a concentration gradient and water by ultrafiltration. Dialysate is formulated to approximate plasma so that only wastes move: potassium is deliberately low (typically 1–4 mEq/L), calcium 2.5–3.5 mEq/L, bicarbonate 32–39 mEq/L.
289 words, about 1 min03Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis uses the peritoneal membrane as the dialyzer. Dextrose in the dialysate creates an osmotic gradient that pulls water across the membrane; solute moves by diffusion and, over time, by convection.
281 words, about 1 min04Patient Assessment, Monitoring, and Complications
Assessment is cyclical: pre-dialysis weight, blood pressure (both arms, avoiding the access arm), temperature, lung sounds and edema; intradialytic vital signs at least every 30–60 minutes; post-dialysis weight compared with the estimated dry weight. Falling pressure with a rising heart rate suggests volume loss; hypotension with bradycardia should prompt a search for other causes.
292 words, about 1 min05Patient Education, Psychosocial Support, and Professional Practice
Education is a skill, not a lecture. Assess literacy and readiness, use plain language, and confirm understanding with teach-back.
308 words, about 2 min