CNRN study guide
CNRN · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) credential is a specialty nursing certification awarded by the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN) and accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC). ABNN describes it as a marker of knowledge of neuroscience nursing fundamentals and a generalist exam that is not intended to emphasize any particular level of care or developmental level - so it applies to nurses in intensive care, step-down, general neuro, rehabilitation, and outpatient roles alike. The CNRN study guide has 5 sections and about 2,372 words.
01Neuroanatomy and Physiology for the Neuroscience Nurse
Most neuroanatomy items test whether you can link a lesion to a deficit. Frontal lobe: executive function, expressive language (Broca, dominant hemisphere), voluntary movement (precentral gyrus), and conjugate gaze deviation toward a destructive lesion.
356 words, about 2 min02Neurological Assessment and Monitoring
A complete neuro check has six parts: level of consciousness, pupils, extraocular movements, motor response (best and worst side), respiratory pattern, and blood pressure trend. Consciousness is the most sensitive early indicator of deterioration.
333 words, about 2 min03Acute Neurological Injury and Neurosurgical Care
IV alteplase is considered within 3–4.5 hours of last known well; thrombectomy is offered in selected large-vessel occlusions up to 6 hours, and up to 24 hours when imaging/clinical mismatch criteria are met. Before thrombolysis, lower BP below 185/110 mmHg; after, keep below 180/105 for 24 hours.
353 words, about 2 min04Chronic Neurological Disorders and Neurorehabilitation
Relapsing-remitting is the most common course. Symptoms track plaques: optic neuritis, internuclear ophthalmoplegia, sensory loss, ataxia, bladder dysfunction.
309 words, about 2 min05Neurodiagnostics, Pharmacology, and Patient Safety
Noncontrast head CT is first line for acute hemorrhage, mass effect, and hydrocephalus; it is fast and generally safe with implanted devices. MRI gives superior soft-tissue detail for infarct, tumor, demyelination, and infection but requires metal and device screening and longer immobility.
1,021 words, about 5 min