CNN case studies
CNN · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) credential is awarded by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) to registered nurses who demonstrate specialty knowledge in nephrology nursing. NNCC describes its certification approach as patient-focused, with the primary goals of promoting patient safety and ensuring quality of care. CNN eligibility requires RNs to have at least 3,000 hours of experience practicing in multiple areas of nephrology. The exam is an English-language certification exam intended to establish that a certified individual meets the requirements of a nationally certified healthcare professional practicing in the United States. The CNN case studies are 5 cases and about 4,225 words.
1The creatinine that rose after GDMT: hemodynamic dip or structural decline?
R, 74, has HFrEF (EF 30%), type 2 diabetes, and CKD. Four weeks ago his creatinine was 2.0 mg/dL (eGFR 32) with potassium 4.6.
831 words, about 4 min2A 4.4 kg gain, a 4-hour slot, and three straight hypotensive runs
K, 68, weighs 74.4 kg before his Monday hemodialysis session; his target weight is 70.0 kg. He dialyzes Monday/Wednesday/Friday for 4 hours and gained the 4.4 kg since Friday.
797 words, about 4 min3Low tacrolimus, rising creatinine, and a patient who cannot afford her medicine
L, 42, is five months from a deceased-donor kidney transplant (donor CMV positive, recipient CMV negative). She takes tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and prednisone.
822 words, about 4 min4A late referral who wants to wait
A, 62, was referred to the CKD clinic with an eGFR of 16 mL/min/1.73 m². He has type 2 diabetes and hypertension, works as a chef, lives alone, and is right-hand dominant.
933 words, about 5 min5Blood on the floor: a needle dislodgement, a silenced alarm, and what happens next
At 10:40 on a busy shift, an RN finds Mr. T, 58, asleep in chair 4 with his venous needle out and blood pooling on the floor.
842 words, about 4 min