CNN study plan
CNN · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Renal Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology
Diagram the nephron and trace filtrate flow from glomerulus to collecting duct, labeling each segment's primary transport function
Explain how GFR is regulated by autoregulation, the RAAS, and ADH, and predict the effect of volume depletion and NSAIDs on renal perfusion
Differentiate prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal acute kidney injury by mechanism, urine indices, and expected response to a fluid challenge
Sequence the pathophysiologic cascade from nephron loss to CKD complications (secondary hyperparathyroidism, anemia, metabolic acidosis)
Your checkpoint
One-page annotated nephron/RAAS concept map plus a 25-item self-quiz on renal physiology and AKI classification scored at 80% or higher, with missed items rewritten as corrected statements
Renal Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology & Assessment, Diagnosis, and Monitoring of the Patient with Kidney Disease
Contrast nephrotic and nephritic syndromes by pathophysiology, urinalysis findings, and typical complications
Interpret arterial blood gas and serum chemistry patterns for metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, and disorders of sodium and water balance in kidney disease
Explain the pathophysiology of diabetic and hypertensive kidney disease and identify modifiable progression factors
Connect uremic pathophysiology to clinical manifestations across neurologic, cardiovascular, hematologic, and GI systems
Your checkpoint
Nephrotic-versus-nephritic and acid-base comparison tables plus 20 case-based pathophysiology items scored at 80% or higher
Assessment, Diagnosis, and Monitoring of the Patient with Kidney Disease
Select and interpret the standard monitoring panel (BUN, creatinine, eGFR, electrolytes, calcium, phosphorus, PTH, albumin, hemoglobin, ferritin) for a patient with CKD
Distinguish acceptable from critical values and state the nurse's immediate action for each critical threshold
Evaluate volume status using weight trends, blood pressure, edema, lung sounds, and intradialytic data
Interpret urinalysis, urine protein quantification, and renal imaging results in the context of a clinical scenario
Your checkpoint
A one-page lab interpretation reference card with critical-value actions plus a 30-item diagnostic-interpretation set scored at 85% or higher
Treatment Modalities and Clinical Management (including dialysis therapies and transplantation)
Compare hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplant by mechanism, schedule, access requirements, and lifestyle implications
Describe vascular access types (AV fistula, AV graft, tunneled catheter) and the assessment and cannulation safety principles for each
Sequence the steps of a hemodialysis treatment and identify parameters monitored before, during, and after the session
Explain peritoneal dialysis exchange principles including dwell time, ultrafiltration, and peritonitis prevention
Your checkpoint
Modality comparison matrix and access assessment checklist, plus a 50-item cumulative mock exam covering domains 1-3 scored at 75% or higher
Treatment Modalities and Clinical Management (including dialysis therapies and transplantation)
Recognize and prioritize nursing interventions for intradialytic complications: hypotension, cramping, disequilibrium syndrome, air embolism, and hemolysis
Interpret adequacy measures (Kt/V, urea reduction ratio) and explain how to address an inadequate result
Reconcile dialysis- and transplant-related medications including phosphate binders, calcimimetics, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and immunosuppressants
Outline pre- and post-transplant nursing priorities, including rejection signs and infection precautions
Your checkpoint
Set of eight complication response algorithm cards and a medication reconciliation worksheet with 20 associated items scored at 80% or higher
Patient Education and Self-Management Support
Design a teaching plan for diet, fluid restriction, and sodium and potassium management tailored to a specific patient's health literacy level
Demonstrate teach-back and motivational interviewing techniques in three written patient scenarios
Coach a patient to recognize and report warning signs of infection, access dysfunction, and fluid overload
Plan a self-management support strategy addressing medication adherence, missed treatments, and transition between care settings
Your checkpoint
Three written patient teaching plans with teach-back scripts and measurable learning objectives, reviewed against a literacy-appropriate checklist
Professional Practice, Quality, and Safety
Apply infection control and water quality standards to dialysis practice, including catheter care bundles and dialyzer reuse considerations
Explain quality indicators (fistula prevalence, catheter rate, adequacy, anemia and mineral targets) and the nurse's role in improving them
Differentiate incident types and conduct a root cause analysis and a plan-do-study-act cycle on a simulated safety event
Describe the nurse's scope of practice, delegation rules, and ethical obligations in nephrology care
Your checkpoint
A 25-item quality and safety quiz scored at 85% or higher plus a completed dialysis unit safety audit checklist with one proposed improvement
Renal Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology & Assessment, Diagnosis, and Monitoring of the Patient with Kidney Disease & Treatment Modalities and Clinical Management (including dialysis therapies and transplantation) & Patient Education and Self-Management Support & Professional Practice, Quality, and Safety
Complete a timed 150-item comprehensive practice exam under test-day conditions
Classify every missed item by domain and root cause (knowledge gap, misread, or clinical reasoning error)
Re-teach the three weakest content areas using corrected notes and targeted review
Build a one-page personal rapid-review sheet of high-yield labs, values, and priority actions
Your checkpoint
A scored 150-item comprehensive practice exam at 80% or higher with a completed error log and a one-page high-yield review sheet
Milestones
Week 2: Score 80% or higher on a 45-item quiz spanning domains 1 and 2, and explain the nephron's role in acid-base and potassium regulation aloud without notes
Week 4: Score 75% or higher on a 50-item cumulative mock exam covering domains 1-3, with no domain below 65% and all missed items logged
Week 6: Deliver all three patient teaching plans with teach-back scripts and confirm each includes measurable objectives and literacy-appropriate language
Week 8: Score 80% or higher on the 150-item comprehensive exam with no domain below 70%, and submit the error log and high-yield review sheet